Monsignor Clarke Catholic School is seeking a nurturing, collaborative, and passionate Early Childhood Lead Teacher to join our growing Learning Academy program serving children ages 18 months to 3 years old. This is a wonderful opportunity for an educator who is committed to early childhood development and who values working within a faith-filled Catholic school community centered on joy, compassion, academic excellence, and child-centered learning.
We are looking for a team-oriented educator who is kind, gentle, patient, organized, and able to multitask in a busy early childhood environment. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication skills with both families and colleagues and values collaboration, professionalism, and positive relationships within the school community.
Located on a beautiful campus overlooking the ocean in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, Monsignor Clarke School offers a welcoming and supportive environment where faculty are valued, families are engaged, and children are known and loved. Our Learning Academy program is designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate early learning experience that supports the whole child socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically.
This is a 50-week program and does not follow the traditional academic school-year calendar or school vacation schedule.
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Learning Academy Program (18 Months – 3 Years)
Lead Teacher candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:
Hold a current Rhode Island Department of Education teacher certification for grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2.
Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field such as:
Child Development
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Elementary Education
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Special Education
AND possess twenty-four credits in Early Childhood Education from an accredited institution of higher education.
Hold a current Rhode Island Department of Education certification in Early Childhood Special Education, including Early Childhood certification.
The Lead Teacher must also have:
A minimum of three months supervised teaching experience in a licensed or approved early childhood program (student teaching may fulfill this requirement)
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CPR, Pediatric First Aid, and Heimlich certification
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Commitment to ongoing professional development in Early Childhood Education
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills
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Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team-oriented school community
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A nurturing, calm, and child-centered approach to working with young children
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Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment
As part of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our youngest learners, staff members in the Early Learning Program are asked to comply with Rhode Island DHS health requirements, including providing documentation of required immunizations such as annual influenza vaccination, MMR, DPT, and Varicella immunizations.
Oversee the implementation of the early learning and development program, including classroom curriculum, organization of children’s groups, and staff performance
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Collaborate closely with the Learning Academy Lead Teacher and Program Director
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Plan and modify developmentally appropriate activities that support the emotional, physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth of children ages 18 months to 3 years
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Create engaging, child-centered learning experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, and independence
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Maintain an organized, welcoming, and nurturing classroom environment
Foster positive relationships with children that encourage growth, confidence, and healthy development
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Support positive student behavior using nurturing guidance and positive reinforcement strategies
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Work collaboratively with teacher assistants to create a safe, caring, and supportive classroom environment
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Observe and support individual developmental needs through intentional planning and differentiated instruction
Partner and communicate effectively with families to support each child’s development and well-being
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Build strong relationships with families through open communication and regular updates
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Maintain positive and professional communication with colleagues, administration, and support staff
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Share classroom schedules, child updates, and program information consistently with families
Create monthly staff schedules including rotating 8–8.5 hour shifts
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Support and uphold all established program policies and procedures
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Collaborate with Early Intervention and Special Education providers to support children’s learning and developmental needs
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In conjunction with administration, develop and oversee individualized staff training plans
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Meet monthly with the Program Director to review program planning and support individual student needs
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Share planning information with classroom staff and assist in implementing individualized supports and child-directed activities
This is a year-round, 50-week position
Faith-filled Catholic school community rooted in compassion, service, and excellence
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Beautiful oceanfront campus and welcoming school environment
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Supportive administration and collaborative faculty culture
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Strong family partnerships and engaged community
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Opportunity to help shape and grow an expanding early childhood program
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A school environment where children are truly known, loved, and supported
All hired employees must complete Safe Environment Training, a national background check, fingerprinting requirements, and all Diocese of Providence clearances required for working with children.
Monsignor Clarke Catholic School is committed to fostering a caring and inclusive learning environment where every child is encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
