Job Opportunities at SouthSide—Jefferson
SouthSide Early Childhood Center
2101 S. Jefferson Ave St. Louis, MO 63104
The following job opportunities are currently open at SouthSide Early Childhood Center. Please fill out the form below to submit your resume. Thank you!
Program director
The Program Director is responsible for establishing and maintaining a quality, comprehensive and accredited educational program that ensures the needs of SouthSide’s children at our Jefferson location are met. The Program Director is responsible for maintaining program performance, licensing and regulatory standards in compliance with SouthSide’s partner agencies, state and federal requirements. This position reports to SouthSide’s Director of Advocacy and Operations and supervises SouthSide’s infant/toddlers/2’s/preschool (ages 6 weeks-5 years) teaching staff, substitute teachers, Instructional Leader, Early Intervention Coordinator, and the Early Intervention Specialist.
Core Responsibilities:
Establishes and maintains SouthSide’s educational program goals related to school readiness; oversees curriculum development and monitors program quality feedback from parents and teaching staff and incorporates necessary design and revision changes.
Ensures compliance with Missouri state licensing requirements; Health, Safety, and Sanitation; Early Head Start compliance and Missouri Accreditation compliance.
Ensures that SouthSide teachers are implementing all standards related to Creative Curriculum, our social-emotional curriculum Conscious Discipline, DRDP (Desired Results for Children and Families), PK-OF (Pre-Kindergarten Observation Form) and CACFP (Child and Adult Food Care Program) classroom implementation.
Ensures that all teachers understand and implement the anti-bias education framework.
Supports an environment of ongoing professional development by identifying needs and matching resources. Creates professional development opportunities for teaching staff that ensures SouthSide implements best practices related to early childhood development.
Monitors enrollment in conjunction with the Family Partnership Director and manages enrollment and orientation for families that pay tuition.
Leads monthly tours for prospective families and community members.
Works with the Development team on grant reporting and implementation.
Plans for and implements monthly teacher meetings; participates and helps to coordinate weekly Program Leadership meeting; attends CARE Team meetings; meets with each teacher monthly.
Hires and trains new teachers as needed.
Compiles data for educational programs and sets programmatic goals based on end of year outcomes; presents outcomes to board and staff.
Monitors program budget; reviews monthly expense forms for staff; purchases program supplies and reconciles credit card monthly.
Maintains a positive, welcoming school climate for all; creates positive culture for communication between staff, parents and children.
Monitors time off requests, manages all scheduling for teaching team in conjunction with the Instructional Leader, manages payroll for teaching staff, Early Intervention Coordinator, Instructional Leader, and Early Intervention Specialist.
Requires flexible hours for opening and closing the building. Occasional evenings required for meetings and events.
Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Skills:
B.S. in Education or related field. Must meet MO State Licensing requirements for Center Director. Master’s Degree in Education preferred.
Early childhood leadership and supervisory experience is strongly preferred.
Experience working in racially, culturally, linguistically diverse settings.
A minimum of three years' experience managing a licensed and accredited Early Head Start or Head Start Program preferred.
Previous experience/knowledge running state subsidy programs or Early Head Start programs.
Experience and expertise in Creative Curriculum, Conscious Discipline and Anti-bias Education frameworks required.
Experience with DRDP (Desired Results for Children and Families) assessment system preferred.
Ability to properly assess and evaluate program effectiveness.
Ability to work independently and/or collaboratively with a team depending on the task.
Assembles, motivates, and holds teams accountable to achieve established goals within deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Learning Genie (parent engagement app) or similar platform, and Microsoft Office.
Ability to organize work and meet deadlines.
Strong attention to detail.
Manage sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
Ability to multitask.
Ability to lead with empathy and form strong relationships with children, families and team members.
Represent the agency in a professional and competent manner.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Frequent climbing, walking, bending, stretching, and sitting on the floor with children. Willingness to work in environments with exposure to childhood illnesses and varying weather conditions.
Benefits:
Medical Insurance- SouthSide covers 90% for employee
Dental Insurance- SouthSide covers 90% for employee
Long-Term Disability (LTD) for employee
Life Insurance
401(k) Plan- Employee contribution
Pretax Premiums
Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts: including both Medical and Dependent Care reimbursement accounts
Vision Plan- SouthSide covers 90% for employee
Voluntary Lincoln Insurance Products: Short-term disability, life insurance, AD&D, accident insurance
Paid time off: 15 days a year during the first 5 years
Paid holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Staff Member’s Birthday, Spring Break (1-week), Summer Break (2-weeks), Winter Break (as scheduled by SouthSide Early Childhood Center)
Teaching Positions:
SouthSide Early Childhood Center is seeking caring, enthusiastic, and collaborative educators to join our team in Lead, Assistant, and Floater Teacher roles. These positions play a vital role in fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for all children in our care.
assistant classroom TEACHERs
SouthSide Early Childhood Center is currently seeking teacher candidates to join our dynamic teaching teams for our toddler age groups (ages 1-2). We are seeking diverse candidates, and/or candidates who are bilingual English/Spanish, English/Oromo, English/Amharic, English/Somali. We are a year-round program. These are full-time, salaried positions with benefits. Candidates must have a bachelors degree or be pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field.
part-time Classroom Floater + extended day teachers
SouthSide Early Childhood Center is currently seeking part-time classroom floaters and extended day teachers for various hours throughout the day. We are looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about early childhood education, and want to be part of an innovative program. We are a year-round program. Position hours range from 7:30 am- 5:45 pm with a max of 30 hours per week, benefits not included. Candidates must have or be working toward 6 college credit hours in early childhood or a related field. Pay is $15/hr.
Key Responsibilities (All teaching/floater positions):
Engage actively with children to ensure their safety, well-being, and learning.
Instruct and supervise children in classroom activities and daily routines.
Implement age-appropriate activities that support developmental goals and learning outcomes.
Utilize the Creative Curriculum, Conscious Discipline, and Anti-Bias Education frameworks in daily interactions and classroom management.
Maintain consistent active supervision, positioning oneself to meet children's personal needs and ensure safety at all times.
Build and maintain positive, supportive relationships with children, families, and team members.
Participate actively in team meetings, committees, and family/community events.
Maintain a clean and organized classroom; sanitize surfaces, equipment, and materials regularly.
Demonstrate flexibility and a positive outlook each day.
Uphold ethical behavior and maintain confidentiality regarding student and staff information.
Other duties as assigned.
Additional Responsibilities (Lead and Assistant Teachers):
Collaborate in lesson planning and implement daily classroom activities aligned with individual child goals.
Qualifications:
One of the following (depending on position):
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements.
Enrollment in a program leading to a degree or CDA credential to be completed within two years of hire.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams.
Ability to pass an extensive background check and be fingerprinted.
Professional Requirements:
Completion of at least 18 clock hours of early childhood education training annually.
A commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Frequent climbing, walking, bending, stretching, and sitting on the floor with children.
Willingness to work in environments with exposure to childhood illnesses and varying weather conditions.