Early Childhood Teacher (Toddler) - Gallagher Center / 2026-27

Job Description

Job Description

The Organization

For over 55 years, Urban Community School (UCS) has served Cleveland's children by providing an individualized, innovative, and challenging education. Rooted in the Ursuline Sisters' tradition of faith, character, and educational excellence, UCS engages our faculty, families, and community partners in the successful whole child development of students. Serving nearly 800 children from 6 weeks old through 8th grade, the school uses restorative practices and conscious discipline to foster growth and community. Accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS), UCS enrolls a student body in which seventy-six percent of families are economically disadvantaged.

Our growing 15-acre campus in the Ohio City neighborhood is home to a vibrant mix of facilities and partners. The Roundstone Athletic Center features the Glick Family Fieldhouse and the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. The campus also hosts The MetroHealth System, House of Champions, Urban Squash Cleveland, USA Lacrosse, Re:Source Cleveland, and Facing History and Ourselves. Outdoor spaces include Doyle Field, a new Little League field, along with a sports mini-pitch, lacrosse field, basketball court, three playgrounds, and learning garden.

UCS is a recipient of the 2022 Top Workplace Award from The Plain Dealer, which is based solely on employee feedback. UCS has also been recognized as one of Cleveland's City Champions by The Plain Dealer, a National Green Ribbon School for Environmental Practices and Learning Model, and a School of Excellence by the Cleveland Foundation and The George Gund Foundation.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction for toddler students (18 months - 3 years old), which reflects the school's approach to whole child development.
• Cultivate relationships with students, caregivers, and educators.
• Lead the daily operations of the classroom and provide a safe, engaging environment for children.
• Responsible for the care and safety of students at all times.
• Ensure the classroom daily schedule includes a balance of both quiet and active play throughout the day which meets the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs of each child through indoor and outdoor activities.
• Facilitate regular communication with parents/caregivers so that they understand the growth of their child.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios at all times.
• Ensure proper documentation is maintained for all students and the classroom environment.
• Ensure that all screenings are completed for all students.
• Ensure ongoing assessments and evaluations of all students' progress is conducted and recorded as required.
• Keep accurate student records including but not limited to students' academic progress, attendance, behavior, and parental contacts.
• Complete approved, specialized professional development hours as required by the Ohio Department of Education and Step Up To Quality.
• Adhere to all requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), including but not limited to assisting with meal service, maintaining accurate records of meal counts and attendance, ensuring compliance with CACFP guidelines, and monitoring portions and food safety.
• Participate in staff meetings and training.
• Assist in the coordination of students as they transition into a new classroom.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrates a strong passion for and alignment with the mission of UCS, actively incorporating the organization's values into daily work and decision-making.
• Student-centered instructional approach, using qualitative and quantitative evidence to inform instructional decisions, differentiate learning, and support continuous student growth.
• Excels at building relationships with various stakeholders including students, caregivers, and educators.
• Demonstrates exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently and with a team.
• Applies superb judgment and maintains confidentiality.
• Detail-oriented.
• Organized
• Flexible and willing to make adjustments based on the needs of the school.
• Reflective with a strong desire to learn and grow.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education, or other approved related fields is strongly preferred.
• Associate's degree in child development, early childhood education, or other approved related field AND CPL 4 is required.
• Valid Ohio teaching license (or willing to obtain the necessary license).
• Must maintain CPR, First Aid, Communicable Disease, and Child Abuse Recognition & Prevention certifications.
• Must be examined by a licensed physician, physician's assistant, advanced practice nurse, or certified nurse practitioner within twelve months prior to the first day of employment.
• FBI/BCI background check required.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Must be able to actively interact with young children by having good dexterity with ability to lift up to 40 pounds, push, pull, carry, climb, balance and kneel and the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to walk significant distances and climb stairs throughout the day as the campus is situated on several acres with 2 buildings, ranging from single story to two stories, along with 5 campus partner facilities

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience and education level ($52,791–$98,924 for candidates with at least a bachelor's degree).
• 401(k) with a generous employer contribution and match
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid life insurance and AD&D
• Short and long term disability coverage
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Tuition discount for students who attend UCS
• Educational assistance program (up to $2,000 per year)
• Casual work attire (denim and UCS spirit wear are welcomed)
• On-site fitness center for faculty and staff
• Financial and retirement advising at no cost to employees
• Opportunities for discounts on home, rental and auto-insurance

Additional Information

• Status : Full-Time, Exempt
• Reports to (direct) : Director of Early Childhood
• Reports to (indirect): Chief Academic Officer
• Hours : 40 hours/week; scheduled year-round
• Start Date: July 1, 2026

Urban Community School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Urban Community School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Urban Community School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.