Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSchedule: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (full-time)Start: January-February 2026Status: Exempt/non-exempt (depending on experience) — competitive pay + benefitsWhy work at Foundations?For over ten years, Foundations has operated as Lincoln's premier play-based, family-style childcare and early learning center that prioritizes home-like care, inclusion, and child-led learning. Our core values are Celebrate Childhood, Cultivate Community, and Let Kids Be Kids. We serve children ages 18 months–6 years (and sometimes beyond) in intentionally inclusive classrooms where all abilities and neurotypes learn alongside one another.This opening is for a full-time Junior Kindergarten teacher. Our current JK teacher has done a wonderful job and is shifting scheduling in their life — we are looking for someone who will continue the established routines and expectations rather than change them dramatically. Of course, all teachers are welcome to give their personal touch to the environment and how they operate it. If you are careful, patient, collaborative, and committed to relationship-first teaching, you will thrive here.Hours & Important Daily RhythmWorkday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday–Friday.Daily instructional block (more teacher-led): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (this focused, group instructional window is essential; preserving this routine is important).The remainder of the day includes caregiving, meals (Breakfast, Lunch, PM Snack), nap supervision, and free play in structured groups. Preschool and Junior K classes intermix outside the instructional block, so you’ll collaborate across age groups. Foundations also has a toddler classroom, but they have their own enclosed environment for nearly the entire day.Core ResponsibilitiesClassroom & CurriculumPlan and implement play- or project-based lessons and small-group, teacher-led activities tied to our pre-determined curriculum (areas-of-interest/centers linked to daily readings).Lead the instructional block 10–12 daily: whole-group reading, guided table work, and small-group projects.Observe, document, and report child progress (Using our Brightwheel app and paper progress reports).Verbally translate play into learning in the moment by narrating connections and scaffolding next steps.Childcare & SupervisionSupervise mixed Preschool/Junior K groups collaboratively with other teachers.Assist with meals, toileting/diapering (disinfecting surfaces before first use and after each change), nap supervision, and outdoor play.Follow health and environmental regulations.Behavior & EnvironmentUse Foundations’ Behavior Guidance & Response Framework, which enlists teachgers to respond rather than react. We try to avoid modeling reactive behaviors, never yelling or losing composure.When conflict arises between children, prioritize the safety and comfort over punishment, guide restorative inquiry and accountability instead of exclusion or retribution.Supervise risky play with clear boundaries (consent, no hitting or pulling on clothing)Maintain classroom order; clean and organize the classroom.Family Partnerships & ProfessionalismBuild respectful, warm relationships with families: greet them at drop-off/pick-up, send Brightwheel updates (eye-level photos), and sign incident/behavior forms when required.Enforce Family Agreement expectations; escalate combative family behavior to Director/Ownership to be handled seriously the first time, we will never expect teachers to endure disrespect from families.Keep child and family information confidential.AdministrationDownload and utilize our communication apps to their fullest ability during work hours.Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and document duties.Required QualificationsMinimum age: 19+Education: High school diploma required; Associate’s/Bachelor’s in ECE or related field preferred. If you have a NECPRS account from previous childcare experience, please let us know as any unexpired training credentials are a plusExperience: Minimum 2 years with preschool/early-elementary age preferred; experience in inclusive OR special education settings preferred.Clearances & Health: Pass background checks as required by law.Certifications: There are many required certifications that we will assist in you obtaining, which may require paid after-work trainings (think CPR, Health & Safety training, etc.)Physical: Able to lift ~40 lbs, move quickly in emergencies, and work at child level.Skills: Strong observation, clear documentation, excellent communication, and emotional self-regulation.AttributesCommitment to play- or project-based, individualized learning rather than one-size-fits-all academics.High emotional intelligence and ability to model calm under stress, as groups of children can periodically cause overstimulation.Strong observational skills and discernment — intervene when appropriate; avoid unnecessary power struggles.Exceptional communication skills: the ability to say what you need when you need it rather than not wanting to bother others/allowing preventable stress to build up.Team orientation and willingness to supervise mixed-age groups.Able to explain the learning behind play to families and document progress.Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive salary based on experience, starting at $18 per hourPaid holidays and paid time off.Paid trainings and professional development.Health insurance reimbursements available.Staff lunches and recognition for positive reviews/inspections.Onboarding & ExpectationsOrientation covers emergency procedures, allergy protocols, Brightwheel basics, diapering/toilet routines, LifeVac/choking/CPR response, and behavior framework.Jump in with the class and work directly with the director to learn the ropes.Sound like a good fit? Please send us your résuméCompany DescriptionFoundations is a close-knit, play-based early learning center where our motto — let kids be kids — guides everything we do. We prioritize a warm, home-like atmosphere where teachers respect children’s curiosity and autonomy, helping them grow through hands-on exploration instead of one-size-fits-all academics. Employees who thrive here are patient, observant, and excited by energetic classrooms where learning emerges from real play and relationships.Our curriculum blends child-led philosophies (Montessori/Reggio Emilia influences) with focused, teacher-led learning blocks that scaffold literacy, STEAM thinking, and creative expression. You’ll plan and facilitate “areas of interest” tied to daily readings, run small-group instructional time, and constantly translate playful moments into teachable skills, narrating why a block build matters or how a dramatic play scene develops empathy. This is a place for people who can both follow a predictable routine and notice the teachable moments inside the natural chaos of childhood.Foundations is intentionally inclusive: we serve children of all, and varied, abilities, neurotypes, and backgrounds and provide supports like on-site laundry, a little free pantry, and take-home meals to reduce family stress. Our approach to quality balances regulatory expectations with a commitment to accessibility and low staff turnover. Expect to collaborate closely with families and co-teachers and to be supported in making individualized adaptations in your expectations for your learners.The center runs weekdays with a consistent daily rhythm (instructional blocks, meals, nap, mixed-age play) so stability matters: we prefer to hire people who take consistency seriously and will protect routines and help children feel safe and seen every day. If you’re energized by active, inclusive, play-forward teaching and ready to be part of a small, mission-driven team, Foundations is a place where your care and craft will be valued.Company DescriptionFoundations is a close-knit, play-based early learning center where our motto — let kids be kids — guides everything we do. We prioritize a warm, home-like atmosphere where teachers respect children’s curiosity and autonomy, helping them grow through hands-on exploration instead of one-size-fits-all academics. Employees who thrive here are patient, observant, and excited by energetic classrooms where learning emerges from real play and relationships. \r\rOur curriculum blends child-led philosophies (Montessori/Reggio Emilia influences) with focused, teacher-led learning blocks that scaffold literacy, STEAM thinking, and creative expression. You’ll plan and facilitate “areas of interest” tied to daily readings, run small-group instructional time, and constantly translate playful moments into teachable skills, narrating why a block build matters or how a dramatic play scene develops empathy. This is a place for people who can both follow a predictable routine and notice the teachable moments inside the natural chaos of childhood. \r\rFoundations is intentionally inclusive: we serve children of all, and varied, abilities, neurotypes, and backgrounds and provide supports like on-site laundry, a little free pantry, and take-home meals to reduce family stress. Our approach to quality balances regulatory expectations with a commitment to accessibility and low staff turnover. Expect to collaborate closely with families and co-teachers and to be supported in making individualized adaptations in your expectations for your learners. \r\rThe center runs weekdays with a consistent daily rhythm (instructional blocks, meals, nap, mixed-age play) so stability matters: we prefer to hire people who take consistency seriously and will protect routines and help children feel safe and seen every day. If you’re energized by active, inclusive, play-forward teaching and ready to be part of a small, mission-driven team, Foundations is a place where your care and craft will be valued.