Senior Early Childhood Educator

Baylor University•Waco, TX

35d•Onsite

About The Position

Baylor University is seeking a Senior Early Childhood Educator to work onsite at The Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development. This role involves direct work with infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers, contributing to the Human Sciences and Design department within Robbins College. The Senior Early Childhood Educator reports to The Piper Center Director and supports the center's mission by providing high-quality, child-directed, inquiry-based, and play-centered educational programming. The position fosters a collaborative and respectful work environment, valuing collective understanding of child development and family education. Senior Educators serve as models for an exemplary learning environment where undergraduate Child and Family Studies students can observe, interact with children, apply coursework concepts, and engage with mentors. This role requires close collaboration with other Piper staff, children and their families, student workers, practicum students, Baylor faculty, and external therapists (OT, PT, SLP, ABA). The position may also involve mentoring laboratory students, supporting researchers, collaborating with early care and education professionals in the Waco community, and potentially providing leadership to other early childhood educators.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
A minimum of three years of relevant work experience.
Direct experience working with a diverse group of people, including children with special needs and their families.
Experience with implementing positive guidance techniques in the early years' classroom.
Ability to successfully partner with co-teacher to provide project-based, emergent curriculum.
Ability to lead the curriculum and documentation cycle.
Ability to compose effective correspondence both written and verbally.
Flexibility and desire to support the Missions of The Piper Center and Baylor University.
Must pass a criminal background check and TB test prior to start date.
First Aid and CPR are required (can be completed after offer if not certified).
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis.
An active Christian faith.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Master's degree preferred.
Preferably in a laboratory center setting.
Master's degree and five years of relevant work experience are preferred.

Responsibilities

Creating, writing, adapting, and implementing developmentally appropriate curricula for multiple levels of learning within the classroom.
Conducting developmental screenings and portfolio assessments of children.
Providing quality teaching in an assigned classroom, which may include children from 12 weeks to 5 years of age.
Modeling appropriate teaching and caregiving practices to support the academic experiences of Baylor students.
Leading collaboration of inquiry-based, play-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum for classrooms.
Supporting CFS Laboratory faculty at The Piper Center, including leadership of collaboration with Piper Educators.
Planning and conducting developmental screenings and assessments as needed for children.
Observing and monitoring groups of children daily.
Supporting new Piper Educators as needed.
Communicating and making learning visible to parents, students, and faculty.
Meeting with families individually at least twice annually and as requested.
Acting in a moral and ethical manner to reflect the purpose of Baylor University and the Piper Center.
Complying with University policies, NAEYC regulations, and Texas Minimum Standards.
Completing a minimum of 30 hours of professional development annually.
Working On-Site or Remotely as assigned by supervisor.
Performing all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission.
Complying with University policies.
Maintaining regular and punctual attendance.