Preschool Teacher, Nature-Based Learning, Small Class Sizes, Up to 21/h

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

At Starlight Academy, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, connection, exploration, and meaningful learning experiences. Our small, nature-inspired center serves just 33 children throughout the entire building, allowing us to create strong relationships, maintain small class sizes, and provide a warm, supportive environment for both children and teachers.

We are looking for a warm, energetic Early Preschool Teacher to join our classroom serving children ages 2–3 years old. Our classrooms focus on hands-on learning, play-based exploration, and meaningful social-emotional development. Lesson planning is designed to support both school-readiness skills and the emotional growth of young children, helping them build confidence, independence, communication skills, and positive relationships.

We are seeking someone who brings creativity, patience, flexibility, and heart to the classroom; a true team player who enjoys collaborating with supportive educators while helping children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. If you are passionate about early childhood education and want to work in a close-knit center where relationships and teamwork truly matter, we would love to meet you.

• Partner with the lead teacher to plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate activities for children ages 2–3
• Help lead daily classroom routines including circle time, small groups, outdoor play, transitions, and hands-on learning experiences
• Support children’s social-emotional growth by creating a nurturing, positive, and responsive classroom environment
• Collaborate with teaching staff to maintain consistent routines, classroom organization, and curriculum goals
• Assist with lesson preparation, classroom setup, and material organization throughout the week
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming learning environment while following center policies and licensing regulations
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff members through teamwork and communication
• Participate in daily classroom responsibilities including meal support, nap routines, end-of-day organization, and light cleaning tasks

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, or group setting preferred
• Ability to actively engage, supervise, and support children in a safe and nurturing environment
• Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills
• Dependable, professional, and able to adapt in a fast-paced classroom setting
• Passion for early childhood education and creating positive learning experiences for children
• Ability to follow classroom routines, center policies, and licensing regulations
• Physically able to stand, bend, sit on the floor, and lift up to 30 pounds as needed throughout the day

• Previous experience working in childcare, preschool, or early childhood education settings
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Familiarity with play-based, child-led, or nature-inspired learning approaches
• Experience supporting toddlers or early preschool-aged children in a classroom environment
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate classroom practices
• Strong classroom collaboration and positive behavior guidance skills
• Coursework or certifications in Early Childhood Education preferred

• Supportive, collaborative team environment with strong classroom partnership
• Paid training and onboarding support
• Paid holidays and center closures
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education
• Consistent scheduling and a positive work-life balance
• Small center atmosphere with strong staff relationships and communication
• Creative, child-centered classrooms focused on hands-on learning and exploration
• Leadership support that values teamwork, communication, and educator well-being
• Opportunities to build meaningful relationships with children and families
• A welcoming, nature-inspired environment where teachers are encouraged to bring their creativity and ideas into the classroom