Lead School Age Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $15+

Nourish Early Learning is looking for a qualified lead school age coordinator and educator who is a pivotal part of our team teaching and supervising while also motivating the school age to use their mental capacities and exercise their imagination before and after school and full time during the summers.

This is an excellent opportunity for a self motivated leader who wants to build something amazing for an active group of kids from Kindergarten - 4th grade. This position would coordinate, at a lead level, the growth of Nourishs school age program by expanding the vision of how empowering a school age program can be. This person would create the rituals for both morning care and activities for afternoon care. Early learning is a unique time in development and our desire is to support children in expanding their independence while building further curiosity and deeper understanding of the world around them.

Nourish is a child-centered, play-based environment, reggio-inspired early childhood learning center. A lead would act as a facilitator in the room, balancing flow of the day (routine) and play. The lead teacher would also manage the classroom assistants. If you want to be a part of this pivotal time of growth at Nourish, apply today!

Why Work at Nourish?

Nourish offers unique opportunities for growth benefits that are particular to each employee. They include, but are not limited to:

• monthly one on one coaching
• paid continuing education after one full year of working (CDA, special, certifications, continuing education and associates degrees)
• opportunities for quarterly bonuses and annual raises
• access to a wide array of professional development opportunities
• letters of recommendations to school districts
• childcare discounts, when available
• paid time off and paid holidays
• building a career path that fosters your gifts

Ultimately, we meet our employees where they are while holding them accountable to growth. We know that in order to inspire and promote development in children, we must be committed to our own development. Learning never ends and this challenging environment is a beautiful way to excavate our curiosity, wonder and awe.

A wonderful fit for this position would:

• be a natural leader to peers and children, utilizing integrity and values
• have a deep love of children, the way their minds work and the magic they create
• connect with school age children quickly through a wide range of methods (stories, media, indoor or outdoor games, drawing, etc)
• be courageous in silliness, sustain high energy levels, and have some dance moves
• recognize children's intuitive need for individualization, and meet this need with connection on their level
• be organized and adaptable, attuned to your surroundings, recognizing the most important need in the moment
• be a lifelong learner, love to be empowered to come into work better the next day, knowing you use your best judgment to make decisions without seeking permission
• be proactive and willing to be coached
• be patient, flexible and kind
  

Responsibilities

Morning & After School Care Leadership

The Lead School Age Teacher holds responsibility for creating a developmentally responsive, nurturing, and engaging environment for children ages 610 during both morning and after-school care. This role includes overseeing curriculum, managing staff collaboration, and building strong connections with children and families.

Curriculum Development and Implementation

• Design and implement a responsive, play-based curriculum that reflects Nourishs mission, encourages curiosity, creativity, and connection, and supports the holistic development of school-age children.
• Plan enriching daily activities that balance structured and unstructured time, support social-emotional learning, and promote a sense of autonomy and community.
• Incorporate child-led provocations and project-based learning drawn from children's interests and current events.

Assessment and Progress Tracking

• Observe and document childrens engagement and growth, using both formal and informal methods to track progress across developmental domains.
• Communicate insights and developmental highlights to families regularly, offering thoughtful reflections and collaborative support.
• Support childrens goal-setting, independence, and self-awareness through check-ins, journal prompts, and group discussions.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide mentorship and support to assistant educators and team members, modeling reflective practice and professional integrity.
• Organize and lead weekly team meetings to ensure consistent communication, co-regulation strategies, and curriculum alignment.
• Share responsibilities thoughtfully by delegating tasks and providing clear expectations and feedback to assistants.
• Foster a joyful, respectful, and growth-oriented team culture.

Parent Communication and Engagement

• Build trusting, open relationships with families, offering both proactive and responsive communication via Brightwheel, email, phone, or in person.
• Create meaningful opportunities for parents to participate in and connect with the school-age program.
• Serve as a partner in each childs journey, addressing questions or concerns with warmth, professionalism, and collaboration.

Classroom Management and Supervision

• Create and sustain a physically and emotionally safe, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Maintain close supervision of children at all times, in compliance with ODJFS licensing regulations and Nourish standards, ensuring ratios are met and no child is ever left unattended.
• Support conflict resolution through peaceful guidance, restorative conversations, and behavior modeling.
• Design spaces that are age-appropriate, inviting, and offer opportunities for independence and exploration.

Health, Safety and Environment

• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and safety of indoor and outdoor environments, modeling responsibility and care.
• Oversee snack/meal routines, transition periods, and hygiene practices with attentiveness and consistency.
• Adhere strictly to all health and safety protocols, licensing guidelines, and Nourish policiesincluding handwashing, communicable disease procedures, and supervision expectations.

Philosophy Alignment and Growth

• Demonstrate a commitment to Nourishs Heartful Approach, reflecting the core values of connection, respect, and emotional presence.
  
• Engage in ongoing professional development, reflective practice, and team collaboration.
• Bring a spirit of joy, creativity, and calm leadership into each day with the children, modeling what it means to lead with heart.

Requirements

The requirements for this position include:

• Proven 3-5 years experience as a child care / school age teacher
• Knowledge of child development and up-to-date education methods
• Strong communication and time management skills
• Certificate in first aid and CPR, can be attained onsite
• Bachelors Degree is Early Childhood Education, preferred
• Childhood Development Associate Certificate or Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, required
• FBI & BCII background checks complete
• Workplace physical

About Nourish

Nourish Early Learning is an Early Childhood Learning center that encourages the healthy intellectual and psychological growth of children. We are dedicated to nourishing the brain, body, and spirit to ensure all young children thrive, learn, and reach their full potential. By adhering to the Nourish philosophy, you will have the opportunity to make a strong impact on the cognitive and emotional development of our children.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is our policy to abide by all federal, state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based solely on a person's race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status, veteran status (including protected veterans), marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bonafide occupational qualification exists.