LEAD EDUCATOR

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Toddler Educator – Reggio Emilia Inspired Preschool

Multiple Locations | Washington, DC

About Reggio’s Treehouse

Reggio’s Treehouse is an authentic Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool dedicated to enriching the minds, hearts, and lives of young learners. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we create learning environments where children are encouraged to become curious, confident, self-directed learners who express themselves, think critically, collaborate with others, and explore the world around them.

We believe children are capable, competent, and full of ideas—and our educators play a vital role in helping those ideas come to life.

Are You Our Next Lead Educator?

Are you a passionate, experienced educator and lifelong learner who loves working with young children? Do you think creatively, embrace new ideas, and believe children learn best through meaningful exploration and discovery?

Do you want your ideas to be heard, your creativity encouraged, and your professional growth supported?

If so, we invite you to explore what’s happening at Reggio’s Treehouse.

We are currently hiring Lead Educators for multiple locations throughout Washington, DC.

Position Overview

As a Lead Educator, you will play a key role in creating an engaging, nurturing, and inspiring learning environment for young children. You will work closely with the Director and Assistant Director to ensure that classroom practices meet the standards of Reggio’s Treehouse, as well as all applicable DC licensing and regulatory requirements.

Because our curriculum is emergent and child-centered, Lead Educators observe children closely, follow their interests, develop meaningful provocations, and use documentation to make learning visible. 

We are looking for educators who are curious researchers, thoughtful collaborators, and enthusiastic advocates for children.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and facilitate engaging learning experiences aligned with the Reggio Emilia philosophy and responsive to each child's individual interests, strengths, and developmental needs.
• Observe, document, assess, and communicate children's growth, development, interests, and learning.
• Develop and implement meaningful provocations that encourage curiosity, exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Maintain timely and thoughtful classroom documentation and share observations and findings with the Assistant Director.
• Use technology and digital tools effectively to document children's experiences and support classroom documentation.
• Create a classroom environment that encourages children to explore, collaborate, communicate, and become increasingly self-directed learners.
• Respond thoughtfully and appropriately to children's individual needs and interests.
• Collaborate with fellow educators to exchange ideas, approaches, resources, and professional knowledge.
• Work closely with the Director and Assistant Director to ensure effective curriculum implementation and high-quality classroom practices.
• Select, organize, maintain, and creatively use classroom materials and learning resources.
• Develop new materials and learning opportunities that enhance children's experiences.
• Promote and safeguard the health, safety, and overall well-being of every child.
• Demonstrate a progressive vision for interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning and teaching.
• Build positive, respectful relationships with families and communicate regularly regarding children's development and classroom experiences.
• Organize and participate in parent conferences and family meetings.
• Participate in school meetings, professional development, events, field trips, and other community-building activities.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, reliability, integrity, and enthusiasm at all times.
• Serve as a positive role model for children, families, and colleagues.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director or their designee.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field with at least 12 ECE credit hours, OR
• At least 60 hours of college-level coursework, including a minimum of 12 credit hours in ECE, as required for the Lead Educator position.
• Ability to meet all applicable DC, state, federal, and accreditation requirements for education and experience.
• Valid CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification prior to beginning employment.
• Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and classroom management skills.
• A professional, dependable, and positive approach to working with children, families, and colleagues.
• Flexibility to work the schedule and hours necessary to meet the needs of the school.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with at least 12 credit hours in ECE.
• At least 2 years of experience working in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting.
• Experience working in a Reggio Emilia-inspired program.
• Experience with observation, documentation, emergent curriculum, and project-based learning.
• A demonstrated passion for professional growth and lifelong learning.

What We Offer

At Reggio’s Treehouse, we believe that investing in our educators is just as important as investing in our students.

We are proud to offer:

• ???? Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• ???? Life Insurance
• ???? Paid Time Off
• ???? 401(k) Plan
• ???? Professional Development Assistance
• ???? Employee Discounts & Referral Program

Join Our Team

If you're ready to bring your creativity, curiosity, and heart to a school where education meets play, exploration, and discovery, we'd love to hear from you.

Join a community where educators are encouraged to think differently, share their ideas, grow professionally, and help children discover their own unique ways of understanding the world.

Submit your resume and start a conversation with us today.

Come discover what makes Reggio’s Treehouse a special place for children—and for educators—to learn, grow, and thrive.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Reggio’s Treehouse is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and do not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local