Toddler Teacher

Toddler Teacher

DESCRIPTION

The Little Blue Creche is a Reggio-inspired nursery school (0-3 years) and coworking space for parents opening this Summer in Ventura, California. Our programs reflect our belief that children learn naturally through play, observation, investigation, and connection. We value each child and partner with families and the community to teach competent learners. We believe that time spent in wild places leads to a strong environmental ethic later in life. One of our signature programs is Forest Fridays—an immersive, outdoor education program that takes toddlers on nature-based explorations at parks, forests, and wild spaces. Our vision is to rewild childhood to rewild the planet.

We are seeking a Teacher for our toddler class (2-3 years old). The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and a deep understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and nature-based education. This position involves developing a nurturing environment that encourages inquiry, creativity, and social-emotional development. The teacher will also lead children through Forest Fridays with the Outdoor Director, engaging in outdoor learning experiences that foster a deep connection to nature.

The pay range for this position is $40,000 to $52,000 yearly (commensurate with experience). We offer a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and childcare scholarships. This is a 12-month position with up to four weeks of vacation each year.

Start date: Mid-June 2025, with a potential school opening date of July 2025.

We seek candidates who are:

• Sustainability minded
• Flexible and creative
• Experienced in nature-based or environmental education
• Exceptional rapport with toddlers
• Strong written and oral communicators
• Positive and open-minded
• Happy in collaborative environments with families and educators
• Lifelong learners
• Committed to a Reggio approach and best teaching practices

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess an A.A., B.A, or B.S in a related field (Child Development, Psychology, Education, Family Studies)
• California Child Development Teacher Permit (or in process of obtaining).
• At least 2 years of teaching nursery school children
• TB Clearance, record of flu shots, and immunization record as stipulated by Title 22
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, especially for Forest Fridays.
• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Fingerprint clearance and background check.

Preferred:

• Experience with nature-based education or forest schools
• Significant knowledge and experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Foster a warm, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and social skills.
• Incorporate sustainability and environmental education into daily activities and outdoor experiences.
• Co-design and lead Forest Fridays, organizing outdoor excursions that involve hands-on nature-based activities, exploration, and learning at local parks, forests, and other wild spaces.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Use mindfulness techniques to support children's emotional regulation, self-awareness, and social development.
• Collaborate with fellow educators to develop and implement classroom activities, projects, and learning experiences that reflect the interests and needs of the children.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and clean classroom and outdoor learning spaces.
• Represent the school at open houses and social gatherings
• Plan and facilitate an emergent curriculum according to each child
• Create provocations intended for the indoor and outdoor classroom
• Adapt the classroom to the cultural needs of the children incorporating the one hundred languages
• Design and supervise a peaceful atmosphere for children to nap
• Establish a healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environment by following School policies and procedures
• Assist with the general hygiene of the children including, but not limited to; toilet training, diaper changing, washing hands, brushing teeth, cleaning mud or sand off of children, and helping with other activities that may require contact with bodily fluids.
• Responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all children; according to Title 22 Regulations, including but not limited to; helping children stay warm and dry in poor weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing conflict resolution
• Document each child’s growth and development continuously
• Create ongoing documentation panels for children’s learning
• Maintain Child Development Teacher Permit
• Participate in professional development
• Other duties as assigned by the CEO

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Environment

Work is performed in a child development center; exposure to communicable diseases; subject to noise from children and equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person with children, parents, students, staff, and others.

Physical

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a child development center; to stand or sit for prolonged periods; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull 40 lbs of weight; to operate classroom equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and to occasionally travel to other offices or location.

TO APPLY:

Please submit:

• Cover letter
• Resumé
• Minimum of 3 references

Please address inquiries to Melissa B. Wilder, CEO. Please submit all documents by emailing them to .

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $52,000