Employment

New

Lead Early Childhood Teacher

St. Michael’s Country Day School, an independent non-sectarian school serving students in toddler through grade eight, is seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic Lead Early Childhood Teacher to join our vibrant early childhood program. We are looking for a warm, passionate educator with a deep understanding of the developmental needs of children ages 2–5, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to nurturing the whole child.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum of three years experience working with children ages 2–5 in a classroom setting
• Demonstrated understanding of play-based, emergent, and inquiry-driven curriculum
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with children, parents, and colleagues
• CPR and First Aid certified (or willing to become certified)
• Commitment to reflective teaching, ongoing professional development, and culturally responsive practices
• Familiarity with Responsive Classroom or similar approaches is a plus

Responsibilities:

Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan, implement, and modify developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning experiences that support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth
• Design inquiry-based and play-based units aligned with developmental needs and curriculum goals
• Integrate content across disciplines and collaborate with special area teachers
• Maintain a joyful, safe, and nurturing environment that fosters curiosity and independence
• Use curriculum mapping tools to document and align goals

Assessment & Student Support

• Observe, assess, and document children’s development regularly to guide instruction
• Conduct ongoing developmental assessments and maintain records of student progress
• Support individual learning styles and needs through small-group and one-on-one instruction

Family Engagement

• Build strong, trusting relationships with families through clear, regular daily communication
• Conduct two formal parent-teacher conferences annually and provide written progress reports twice yearly
• Meet with families as needed to support student success and well-being

Professional Engagement

• Attend faculty meetings, school events, and professional development workshops
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate actively in school-wide initiatives
• Support the school’s mission and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

Community & Citizenship

• Embrace outdoor learning and exploration in all weather
• Participate in shared duties such as lunch, recess, and dismissal
• Mentor colleagues or support new teachers when asked by the division head
• Maintain classroom organization, contribute to general housekeeping tasks, and model care for shared spaces

Physical Requirements:

• Mobility & Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, and move quickly throughout the day to respond to children’s needs.
• Lifting & Carrying: Lift and carry children or classroom materials, up to 40–50 pounds as needed.
• Active Engagement: Comfort with bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and participating in play and physical activities.

St. Michael’s is a joyful, nurturing environment that values developing courageous learners and caring citizens who are world ready. We seek educators who are playful, professional, and prepared to engage in the wonders of early childhood with an open mind,  light heart, and a sense of wonder.

Anticipated start

August 2025

To Apply

Qualified candidates should email their resume and supporting documents to - jobs@smcds.org

New

Assistant Early Childhood Teacher

St. Michael’s Country Day School, an independent, non-sectarian school in Newport, RI serving students in toddler through grade eight, seeks a full-time Assistant Early Childhood Teacher to join our dynamic early childhood program.

The Assistant Teacher works in close collaboration with the Lead Teacher to support the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of children. Ideal candidates are nurturing, reflective, and eager to learn from and contribute to a strong, mission-driven teaching team. This role is for individuals seeking to grow their practice in a joyful, child-centered environment that emphasizes a play-based, emergent, and inquiry-driven curriculum.  

Candidates must:

• Possess at least one year of experience working with young children (ages 2–5); a bachelor’s degree or significant coursework in early childhood education is preferred.
• Demonstrate a passion for working with young children and an understanding of their developmental needs.
• CPR and First Aid certified (or willing to become certified)
• Exhibit cultural sensitivity and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with children, colleagues, and families.
• Show professionalism, ethical awareness, and a receptive attitude toward feedback and professional growth.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team, taking direction while also contributing ideas and initiative.
• Responsibilities include:
• Supporting the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing activities that nurture developmentally appropriate growth across domains.
• Facilitating small group, large group, and one-on-one learning experiences under the guidance of the Lead Teacher.
• Leading, supervising, and supporting activities in Extended School Day for Early Childhood students.
• Helping to create and maintain a classroom environment that is safe, organized, joyful, and responsive to children's interests.
• Observing children’s development and supporting documentation of growth and learning.
• Engaging fully in outdoor and indoor play, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and lifting up to 40 pounds as needed.
• Assisting with classroom routines such as transitions, snack, lunch, rest time, and toileting in a way that promotes independence and social-emotional learning.
• Modeling kindness, flexibility, curiosity, and empathy in all interactions.
• Participating in ongoing professional development, reflective teaching practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Supporting school-wide events, meetings, and shared duties as a contributing member of the faculty.

St. Michael’s is a joyful, nurturing environment that values developing courageous learners and caring citizens who are world ready. We seek educators who are playful, professional, and prepared to engage in the wonders of early childhood with an open mind, light heart, and a sense of wonder. Assistant Teachers are considered vital members of our teaching team and are provided with mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for growth within a supportive and vibrant community.

Anticipated start

August 2025

To Apply

Qualified candidates should email their resume and supporting documents to jobs@smcds.org

New

Substitute Teacher

The school has opened a search for Substitute Teachers in all disciplines.

Substitutes have flexibility as to the days and hours that they work. The school day goes from 8am to 3:15 pm.

Candidates should have a college degree and experience working with children in at least one of these age groups; Toddler (2 year olds) through prekindergarten (4 yr.olds), kindergarten through grade 2, grades 3-4, and/or grades 5-8. Prior substitute or teaching experience or a teaching degree/certificate is preferred but not required. Interested candidates should send cover letter and resume to Human Resources.

Working days:

• M-F as needed