The Child Care Teacher plans and implements child-centered lesson plans while ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children. They also document children's progress and communicate effectively with parents and team members.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a High School Diploma and at least 40 hours of coursework in early childhood education or a related field. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.
Utilizing the Reggio education approach, the Child Care Teacher plans, develops and implements child centered creative and adaptive lesson plans and provides a safe, secure and engaging environment for children six weeks to six years age.
As part of a teaching team, Child Care Teacher ensures that interactions with children support their self-esteem and promote their growth and development.
The Child Care Teacher makes learning a fun process that allows and encourages children to explore their full potentials.
This position communicates effectively and with respect with parents and team members.
The Child Care Teacher supports parents in achieving their parenting goals.
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate preferred Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: N/A Experience REQUIRED: Previous experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 6 years of age (paid or unpaid).
2 years of formal teaching experience OR 2 year degree in early childhood education, child psychology, psychology, or closely related field.
Experience PREFERRED: Experience specifically working with children 6 weeks to 2 years old Previous experience working with children in a care center environment Familiarity with the Reggio philosophical approach to education for children Education/training REQUIRED: High School Diploma or equivalent Minimum of 40 hours of coursework in early childhood education or related field (i.e.
Child Psychology, Children’s Literature) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Education/training PREFERRED: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education strongly preferred Independent action(s) required: Respond to the needs of children.
Plan, develop and implement lesson plans for assigned classroom.
Document children’s daily progress and activities and prepare reports to parents.
Ensure that the classroom is clean and neat and free of health hazards or infection control risks.
Prepare ongoing assessments and documentation regarding children and children’s activities.
Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): Supervise teacher aides and volunteers assigned to their classroom or within their scope of practice throughout the Center.
Additional position requirements: All positions are required to be available for shift rotations and holidays.
Preparation of the environment for classroom activities including evenings is required.
Ensuring that classrooms are kept in a manner that supports infection control, a pleasing environment in terms of aesthetics and readiness for the next class assigned to that area is required.
Reviewing the area for safety both indoors and outdoors is essential.
Preparation of lesson plans for the week is required.
Age Specific groups served: Pediatric, Adult Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate): Physical - Lifting less than 20 lbs.
Activities
Frequent bending,
Climbing (steps, ladder, other)
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly,
Write legibly,
Reading,
Logical thinking,
Creativity
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady pace, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change Days EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran
Who We Are
Inventing better care, day by day by discovery Sound outrageous? It absolutely is. Sound impossible? That’s never stopped us before. Sound like hard work, intense research, collaboration with experts around the world, sheer brainpower meets unrelenting willpower? That’s. Exactly. Right. We’ll do whatever it takes to offer the best in care and empower the best in quality of life. And it’s an approach that works — whether it’s a patient who undergoes a new, life-saving procedure or a clinical researcher who finds promise in a new cancer treatment, exciting new medicine is happening at VCU Health. We have it all:
One college and four health sciences schools
An academic medical center
A Level I trauma center
One of only two NCI-designated cancer centers in Virginia
The region’s only full-service children’s hospital
More than 800 physicians in 200 specialties
With a community health center, dedicated research teams, facilities and valued partners in every field Our medical teams are top notch. And we’re not too shy to boast of internationally known physicians, some recognized as the best in the country, top-ranked local specialists and all-around all-stars at every level. From our very first years to our most recent advancements, we are driven to learn more, dig deeper, teach passionately and never rest in order to be a true leader in discovering what’s possible in health and recovery. We are a comprehensive system of care and a pioneer of health. Read VCU Health Year In Review for more about our accomplishments.
Market context
Child care roles remain in steady demand
In Virginia, Child Care Teacher roles are commonly sought by centers serving working families, so openings can be competitive when schedules and classroom coverage need to be filled quickly. Candidates with child-focused experience, strong communication skills, and flexibility often stand out, especially when they meet the age, diploma, and background-check requirements. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your experience with children or customer service is clearly reflected in your application.
