Early Childhood Teacher

Founded in 1912, The Cleveland Music School Settlement (dba The Music Settlement) provides music and arts programming to students of all ages and backgrounds in a way that promotes creativity, self-confidence, and artistic expression. The Center for Early Childhood is celebrating its 70th year, having been established in 1955! The Music Settlement (TMS) has earned a reputation for excellence in all aspects of early childhood education and is a leader in Northeast Ohio. The program has a strong emphasis on the arts, literacy, and science. The mission of The Music Settlement's Center for Early Childhood is to provide a high-quality early childhood experience for children that nurtures the individual, supports the family, and enhances a child’s development through involvement with the arts.

Classification: Openings are available for part-time and full-time, exempt, positions for the 2025-26 academic school year, running from August 2025-June 2026. Openings are available at both our Ohio City and University Circle campuses and are on-site with no remote options available.

• Teaching schedule is unique to Early Childhood classroom placement. Early Childhood is open Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 6:00pm.
• Play based curriculum and dedicated subject learning segments daily.
• Observation and assessment components are incorporated, with informal evaluation of students administered by the educators.

Primary Purpose:

The Music Settlement Early Childhood Educators plan, implement and facilitate weekly classroom curriculum using developmentally appropriate lessons (ages 3-5), stemming from children’s interests, in accordance with the philosophies and policies of The Music Settlement, and with all Ohio state licensure requirements, academic standards, evaluations, accreditations, and licensure regulations.

Reports to: Early Childhood Director and on-Site Administrators

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Maintain a classroom environment for children that is developmentally appropriate and encourages and supports their exploration and experimentation.
• Facilitate the TMS play based curriculum through planning and incorporating dedicated subject learning segments daily.
• Document observation and assessment of students, with informal evaluation of students administered by the educators.
• Supervise and monitor the safety, activity, and behavior of children through observation and interaction.
• Establish a positive school/home relationship through daily interactions with children, staff, and parents.
• Actively engage all students in the learning process.
• Responsible for classroom preparation (such as prepping materials, resources, and supplies for the day’s planned activities), facilitation and clean up.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Educational Requirements:

• Two years of college coursework minimum required. CDA, associate degree or bachelor's degree completion preferred, with strong preference for early childhood education or related field as major course of study.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of classroom experience in Early Childhood (Day Care or Preschool) and/or Kindergarten is required. Preference for additional years of classroom teaching experience.
• CPL Level II in OCCRRA.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Physical Requirements:

• The teacher’s schedule is Monday- Friday. Times and duties vary based on classroom schedule and occasional school programing changes.
• Workday include prolonged periods standing and walking throughout the classroom. Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time, on occasion.
• Must be mentally and physically able to carry out their duties as described above and in licensure and school expectations. Licensure requires a medical examination from a licensed physician, a physician's assistant, or a certified nurse practitioner within three years prior to the first day of employment, verifying the exam and that the employee is physically fit for employment in a facility caring for children.
• For purposes of licensure and our expectations, educators must maintain supervision of their classroom children which means that children shall always be within sight and hearing of childcare staff members. Staff must be able to hear children without the use of mechanical devices.

Employee Benefits:

• Full-time role is benefits eligible. Employees may elect health, dental, and/or vision coverage, and will be entitled to PTO and other employer-paid coverage including life, AD&D and LTD benefits. Part- time roles are not health/wellness benefits eligible, but those scheduled for 20+ hours are eligible for prorated paid time off (PTO) and some paid holidays, where applicable.

The Music Settlement is an equal opportunity employer and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, and genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable law.

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