Early Childhood Toddler Support Teacher

Hawken School is committed to doing school differently and better. We seek to create an inclusive and accepting community where adults are empowered to design educational experiences for students that are deep and student-centered. Hawken School seeks culturally competent teachers, administrators, and staff members who are committed to equity and social justice, who are comfortable taking risks, and who embrace a growth mindset. We are constantly looking for new ways to inspire student curiosity and agency while remaining dedicated to nurturing compassion and kindness in our students.

THE POSITION

Hawken School is seeking a thoughtful, caring, and collaborative educator for a part-time Toddler Support Teacher position working with children ages 18 months to 3 years. The ideal candidate is a warm and reflective professional who enjoys working as part of a team and contributing to a responsive, relationship-centered classroom environment.

Successful candidates will demonstrate an understanding of early childhood development and a genuine interest in supporting young children’s growth through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions. They will bring patience, flexibility, and curiosity to their work, along with a deep respect for the individuality and developmental needs of each child.

The Toddler Support Teacher plays an essential role in partnering with lead teachers to support daily classroom routines, engage with children in both structured and unstructured experiences, and contribute to a positive, collaborative team dynamic. A commitment to professionalism, ongoing learning, and thoughtful engagement with colleagues and families is highly valued.

While not required, familiarity with approaches such as Reggio Emilia, Conscious Discipline, and/or Resources for Infant Educarers (R.I.E.) is appreciated and aligns with our program’s focus on relationship-based, developmentally-responsive practice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with the teaching team to provide respectful, responsive, and relationship-based care, supporting children’s social-emotional and developmental growth throughout the day
• Engage with toddlers at their developmental level through floor-based play, observation, and interaction to support early learning and development
• Support daily caregiving routines (including diapering, toileting, meals, rest, and transitions) as meaningful opportunities for connection and learning
• Contribute to a safe, clean, and well-maintained classroom environment, including the care of materials and shared spaces to ensure a setting that supports children’s independence and exploration; this may include sanitizing, meal support, and general classroom care
• Communicate respectfully with colleagues and demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and a willingness to learn, including applying program practices such as respectful language, sensitive observation, and relationship-based care as modeled by classroom teachers (Reggio Emilia, Conscious Discipline, and R.I.E.)

QUALIFICATIONS

• An associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and/or relevant experience in an early childhood classroom is required
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team, with a positive, flexible, and solution-oriented approach
• Genuine interest in early childhood development and a commitment to supporting young children through responsive, relationship-based care
• Joyful enthusiasm, creativity, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit are essential for thriving in a dynamic classroom environment serving children individually and in groups
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build respectful relationships with colleagues and contribute to a positive team dynamic
• Demonstrates strong situational awareness and a high level of attentiveness with the ability to respond thoughtfully and promptly in a dynamic environment, adapting fluidly to the ever-changing needs of a toddler environment
• Demonstrated willingness to learn, reflect, and grow professionally, including openness to feedback and guidance from lead teachers and program leadership
• Familiarity with or interest in approaches such as Reggio Emilia, Conscious Discipline, and/or Resources for Infant Educarers (R.I.E.) is valued
• Physical Requirements:This position requires active engagement with young children throughout the school day, including supporting student safety and supervision. Responsibilities include lifting and carrying children when necessary, transitioning between sitting, kneeling, and standing, and at times participating in outdoor activities in a variety of weather conditions. The role may also involve walking on uneven terrain and supporting children during outdoor exploration and play.

HAWKEN CANDIDATE COMPETENCIES

Mission, Culture, and Philosophy Alignment: Successful candidates show they can thrive at Hawken and are highly motivated by the school’s mission.

Fair Play: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice: Successful candidates indicate a commitment to and have experience with serving students and communities equitably.

Relationship Building and Cultivation: Successful candidates show they can build relationships throughout the Hawken community.

Content Knowledge: Successful candidates demonstrate depth in content area knowledge as well as an ability to inspire students to a high level of excellence and challenge and take a student-centered approach to all aspects of their work.

Humility and Growth Mindset: Successful candidates are eager to learn new approaches and methods and be able to team effectively with others.

Approach to Work: Successful candidates show initiative and agency with a commitment toward feedback and flexible problem-solving.

THE SCHOOL

Founded on the ideal that “the better self shall prevail and each generation introduce its successor to a higher plane of life,” Hawken School is a coeducational independent day school with 1,600 students in toddler through grade 12. Our four campuses are located within 25 minutes of downtown Cleveland, and an urban extension center in the city’s museum district provides a demanding and integrated course of study in a diverse and dynamic environment. To learn more about us, visit .

HOW TO APPLY

Submit an employment application through . Address your cover letter to Lisa Borowy, Director of Early Childhood.

Hawken School is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to promoting all forms of diversity in the workplace and in our student body. We strongly urge all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 20.0 per week

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Cleveland, OH 44124 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Cleveland, OH 44124: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person