Early Childhood Teacher

Location:
Urban Sprouts Child Development Center | University City, MO 63130
6757 Olive Blvd

Start Date: June 1, 2026

Description, Responsibilities, & Duties

The Classroom Teacher provides leadership within the classroom to ensure a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment grounded in a Reggio Emilia–inspired philosophy. This role is responsible for curriculum design and implementation, classroom management, documentation of children’s learning, and fostering strong relationships with families. The Classroom Teacher serves as a facilitator of child-led inquiry and a collaborative partner to colleagues while advancing the mission and values of Urban Sprouts. This role reports directly to the Head of Pedagogy.

Daily Classroom Operations

Maintain at all times high-quality child care standards grounded in developmentally appropriate practice and aligned with the school’s philosophy and curriculum approach.
Design and maintain an inviting, intentional classroom environment that reflects children’s interests and supports inquiry-based learning.
Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all children, responding promptly and appropriately to incidents or concerns.
Maintain child-to-staff ratios at all times and collaborate with leadership to ensure proper classroom coverage.
Establish consistent classroom routines that promote independence, responsibility, and community.
Support and lead with Co- Teacher(s) and support staff within the classroom.
Maintain accurate attendance, incident reports, and required documentation in accordance with licensing requirements.

Curriculum and Documentation

Lead the development and implementation of emergent, project-based curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.
Observe children closely and document learning through photographs, written reflections, and displays that make learning visible.
Plan intentional provocations and experiences that extend children’s thinking and inquiry.
Use assessment tools and documentation to inform instruction and individualize learning experiences.
Collaborate with the pedagogical team to reflect on curriculum, plan next steps, and ensure alignment across classrooms.
Participate in ongoing professional development to deepen understanding of child development and Reggio-inspired practice.

Family and Child Engagement

Maintain strong, respectful, and consistent communication with families.
Conduct parent-teacher conferences and share documentation of children’s growth and development.
Support family engagement events and school-wide initiatives.
Partner with families using strengths-based and culturally responsive practices.
Collaborate with leadership and support staff when developmental or behavioral concerns arise.

Team Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

Serve as a collaborative and supportive member of the teaching team.
Model professionalism, reflective practice, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and school events.
Support Assistant Teachers through mentorship, coaching, and clear communication.
Maintain working knowledge of Missouri State Child Care Licensing regulations and NAEYC standards.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and sustainability of the program.

Farm to Table Integration

Integrate garden, kitchen, and farm-to-table experiences into classroom learning when appropriate.
Collaborate with kitchen and farm staff to extend seasonal programming into curriculum projects.
Support children’s participation in food preparation, gardening, and related hands-on learning experiences while ensuring health and safety compliance.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

Qualifications

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in an early childhood classroom setting.
Experience leading a classroom or readiness to step into a lead educator role.
Knowledge of or interest in the Reggio Emilia approach, emergent curriculum, and inquiry-based learning.
Strong classroom management, organizational, and communication skills.
Commitment to reflective practice and professional growth.

Core Competencies and Expectations

Demonstrates strong leadership within the classroom and fosters a collaborative team culture.
Builds meaningful relationships with children and families.
Maintains confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively.
Aligns daily practice with the mission, values, and philosophy of Urban Sprouts.
Demonstrates curiosity, flexibility, and a deep respect for children as capable learners.

Salary & Benefits

$20 – $25 per hour (USD)

Our generous benefits include:

Medical Health Insurance of which we pay 75% of the premium to start and 90% of the premium after your one year service anniversary
Dental & Vision insurance of which we pay 75% of the premium to start and 90% of the premium after your one year service anniversary
Free snacks and beverages
Free CPR/First Aid training as well as other trainings throughout the year
2 Paid Mental Health Days a year
One Week of Paid Sick/Vacation time to start, Two Weeks after Two Years, Three Weeks after Five Years
One Week of Paid Holiday Vacation time during our annual winter break
One Week of Paid Holiday Vacation during our annual Spring break
Three Day Paid Fall Break during Thanksgiving
All Federal Holidays Paid, to include Juneteenth and MLK day
Special Staff Appreciation Event in Summer (typically involving free travel)
403 B (comparable to 401K) retirement plan

Application Procedures

Apply :
Indeed:
https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Urban-Sprouts-Child-Development-Center?campaignid=mobvjcmp&from=mobviewjob&tk=1jmqntg21g5jp800&fromjk=1a0e375049b88944

Urban Sprouts Website:
https://www.urbansproutscdc.org/apply” target=”_blank

JOIN THE TEAM

Program Description

Urban Sprouts Child Development Center provides children with a nurturing environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning. Inspired by the Reggio-Emilia approach, we believe children have the right and the ability to construct their own learning with the support and participation of their educators and families.

Contact Info

Clara Schock
Administrative Coordinator
cschock@urbansproutscdc.org

Job Opportunity