Careers
The Place Where Your Work Is More Than A Job, But A Calling.
Are you passionate about childcare and long to find a place where your voice is heard and your influence is felt? Look no further! At Early Steps Learning Center, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for children and families, and we believe you are the missing piece to our team.
At Early Steps, we offer more than just a job, but a place for you to:
- Grow personally
- Grow professionally
- Make a difference in the lives of children
- And more!
Just imagine leaving work everyday knowing not only are you helping children learn and grow, but your own life is flourishing.
Take the first step towards a rewarding and fulfilling career by applying today. Together, let’s create a lasting impact on generations to come!
Please see our current openings below, including: Program Coordinator, Dietary Aid/Cook, Teachers for Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and School Age Programs. Scroll to the bottom to apply by submitting your resume!
Please see our current openings below, including Summer Camp Counselors Teachers for Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and School Age Programs. Scroll to the bottom to apply by submitting your resume!
Summer Camp Counselor
Summary: Summer Camp Counselors (Ages 5–12)
Locations: Richmond Heights and Wickliffe, Ohio
Early Steps Learning Center (ESLC) is now hiring summer camp counselors! We’re looking for individuals who are smart, caring, hard-working, enthusiastic, and responsible—and most importantly, experienced in working with young children.
Candidates must be able to commit to the full 10 weeks of camp. Training begins in May, with the opportunity to continue into the fall as part of our Before/After School Program.
Each year, ESLC camp counselors must be able to lead activities in a designated focus area, including:
Visual & Performing Arts
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Sports & Games
Work with children ages 5–12 years old
Lead a group of 10–18 campers in daily activities, including sports and games, creative arts, and a weekly theme-based curriculum
Demonstrate the ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic backgrounds
Serve as a positive role model to campers and staff through your attitude and behavior
Help children learn to think creatively, solve problems independently, and respect themselves and others
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director and management staff
Responsible for providing a high-quality camp experience for youth, ensuring their safety and supporting their growth in spirit, mind, and body each day
Responsibilities
Help write and implement age-appropriate curricular activities for the groups served
Organize and lead a variety of small and large group activities each week, which may include crafts, nature, songs, games, opening and closing ceremonies, swimming, engineering, science, technology, and Family Night
Assist in maintaining accurate program records, including incident reports, logbook documentation, CACFP forms, and daily attendance
Know and understand all emergency procedures associated with the camp program
Enforce and follow all safety guidelines related to the camp and its program areas. This includes, but is not limited to, being responsible for the safety and whereabouts of your campers at all times
Education
- High School Diploma or equivalent with hands on experience
- Associates or Bachelors with 12-unit hours in Education. (Preferred)
Upon hire, completion of ESLC-provided First Aid and CPR certification, as well as Child Abuse and Communicable Disease training, is required
Must be at least 17 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent
Coursework or experience in camps, youth programs, recreation, child development, or a related field preferred
Genuine passion and enthusiasm for working with children
Ability to lead, plan, organize, and implement program activities
Ability to work as part of a team and to complete tasks with minimal supervision
Strong organizational and communication skills
Successful results of pre and continued employment assessments including fingerprinting, drug testing, medical examinations and background check(s).
- Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, team building initiatives, physical games, and activities.
- Must have the ability to physically support children when needed for safety in general camp activities (child weighing 50 – 100 pounds).
Program Coordinator
The Program Coordinator performs a wide range of duties including some or all the following:
- Plan the delivery of the program guidelines and its activities in accordance with the mission and goals Early Steps Learning Center, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Step Up to Quality (SUTQ).
- Consult with the director about the purchase of classroom supplies, equipment, food and materials.
- Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization
- Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of the programs
- Assist in assessing the strengths of the program and identifying areas of improvement
- Develop records to track effectiveness of programming for individualization and planning
- Assist and monitor the creation of a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects the children’s learning and growth.
- Serves meals and snacks required by the center and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and complete daily meals and attendance.
- In consultation with the Director, implement a performance management process for all program staff.
- Ensure that all program staff receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and appropriate training in accordance with the organizational standards
- Train newly hired staff in areas of programming and SUTQ/ODJFS regulations.
- Mentor program staff by providing direction, input and feedback
- Build a working relationship with Directors and Assistant Directors to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services
- Coordinate the delivery of services among different program activities
- Report program outcomes to Director and recommend feasible changes for improvement
- Supervise Lead Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Van Drivers, Cooks, etc. in all job responsibilities in absence of an Assistant Director.
- Monitors the performance levels of staff members through the process of addressing performance issues or OJDJFS noncompliance through corrective strategies.
- Ensures team members thoroughly understand ESLC policies and procedures relating to standard of care (Administrative Code 5101:2-12 and Chapter 5104)
- Oversee center operations in the absence of Director or Assistant Director. Opening and Closing duties.
- Administer record keeping ensuring that all children’s records are current with Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), ESLC and SUTQ standards
- Record and audit daily attendance for Procare computer entry systems.
- Oversee CACFP food program implementation.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all systems for ProCare and KinderConnect programs
- Fiscal Management
- Collect tuition
- Monitor Ohio’s Electronic Child Care System
- Enforce non-admittance procedures/policy
- Ensure roll call sheets are printed weekly to maintain compliance with ODJFS and ESLC Policy.
- Ensure lesson plans are generated for each program and posted weekly.
- Carry out programming in the absence of lead teachers.
- Carry out dietary responsibilities in the absence of dietary aid/cook.
- Assist with the intake process of new students including filing.
- In accordance with ESLC “team philosophy,” the person filling this position occasionally may be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed in this job description.
Additional Information for this Position
- University degree in a related subject such as Education, Business Administration or a minimum of a CPL Level 3
- 1-2 years preferred in a related field
- Experience in child-care management preferred
- Knowledge of state licensing and SUTQ preferred
- Demonstrates strong customer service
- Computer literate in Microsoft applications (i.e., Work, Excel, Outlook)
- Proficient writing and interpersonal skills
- Maintain 15 hours annually to comply with SUTQ standards
Education
- Associate’s Degree Required
- Early childhood education: 1 year (Required)
- Child Care Management: 1 year (Preferred)
Teachers: Infant and Toddler Programs
Summary: Seeking teachers who develop and nurture children; stimulate emotional, intellectual, and social growth of students; provide a safe and warm environment; encourage students’ participation; implement formalized curriculum enhanced with Spanish and Sign Language; keep parents informed through weekly communication and assessment of developmental needs; and enhance the center reputation.
Have knowledge of the Early Learning Developmental Standards, which include Social-Emotional Development, Approaches towards Learning, Cognitive Development and General Knowledge, Language and Literacy Development, and Physical Well-Being and Motor Development.
- Flexibility, energy, with an ability to multi-task, plan, organize, and problem solve
- Strong communication and people skills; ability to work in team environment
- Lesson planning and continuous daily interaction with children.
- Communicate positively with students, parents and staff.
- Participate collaboratively and professionally with other teachers and staff to promote the general well-being of the school, and collective/individual interest of its staff and student body.
- Must have previous experience working with children in childcare, preschool, or formal setting.
- Lead Teacher: CDA or currently enrolled in a credential ECE program working towards degree.
- Assistant Teacher: HS diploma and previous experience required.
- All positions require background screening and medical clearance.
- Must be able to lift and carry child up to 45 lbs.
- Experience with Creative Curriculum and SUTQ a plus.
Teachers: Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Programs
Summary:
New opportunity to become a part of ESLC’s Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten programs for students ages 3-5 years old. Looking for lead teachers to promote and execute curriculum program focused on excellence surrounding our mission of success for all children. Preschool assistants encouraged to apply with experience of 1 year or more.
The Lead Teacher is responsible for the academic, social-emotional growth and development of all children in their care, which may include preschool age children ages 3-5; develops partnerships with child’s parents/caregivers to engage and encourage parent participation in program. Lead Teacher is also responsible for assuring compliance with codes of all State and local governing contracting agencies; and works collegially with other staff members of company.
- Develop weekly lesson plans and implements age appropriate curriculum to nurture and stimulate all domains of children’s development in their care.
- Provide a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects the children’s learning and growth.
- Perform on-going developmental evaluations of children as required by funding sources and develop lesson plans and follow curriculum implementation that addresses the individual needs of each child.
- On an on-going basis, plan, evaluate and improve the physical environment in the classroom to create opportunities to meet the changing needs of the developing child.
- Provide responsive care to all children by adapting daily care giving routines and plans to the interests and needs of the individual child and the group.
- Prepare developmental progress reports as needed.
- Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for the child’s background by incorporating the cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the childcare program and lesson plans.
- Complete child transition and orientation of the classroom with parents.
- Ensure that each family receives an opportunity to build strong relationships and experience clear communication with teaching staff. Plan periodical parent conferences to discuss children’s developmental progress, needs and interests.
- Participate in on-going in-service and educational development opportunities.
- Assures a healthy, safe, clean and developmentally appropriate environment for children.
- Assist with functioning and monitoring of nutrition and food service.
- In accordance with our “team” philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.
Lead Teachers: CDA, Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Family Studies or related field. At least 1 year of experience preferred. Experience with Creative Curriculum and Step Up to Quality a plus
Teacher Assistants: Previous experience required or current students majoring in ECE or related field.
Opportunity to advance career with TEACH scholarship for candidate interested in ECE. Experience with Creative Curriculum and Step up to Quality a plus
Teachers for School Age ‘Before & After School Care’
- Lead Teachers are responsible for lesson planning, curriculum implementation, Homework tutoring and daily written parent communication.
- Teacher Assistants are responsible for assisting with daily programming and direct supervision of children.
- Must have previous experience working with children in childcare, preschool, or formal setting.
- Lead Teacher: CDA or currently enrolled in a credential ECE program working towards degree a plus.
- Assistant Teacher: HS diploma and previous experience required. Current students majoring in ECE or related field a plus.
- All positions require background screening and medical clearance.
- Experience with Creative Curriculum and SUTQ a plus.
Dietary Aid/Cook - Richmond Heights
Summary:
Seeking individuals who would love to be a part of the daily duty of providing nutritional meals to children in a fun exciting environment. We currently have locations in the Richmond Heights and Wickliffe area. We are seeking a Dietary Aide to provide meal service to students at our Richmond Hts location. The successful candidate will ensure full compliance with nutritional standards, internal procedures and government regulations while preparing and serving foods and beverages to all students.
- High school diploma/GED required
- Food service experience preferred, previous school or child care a plus
- Preparing meals, ensuring food safety and hygiene
- Culinary and/or food service experience in a healthcare facility an asset
- Able to read and interpret common recipes
- Willing and able to work well within a team environment
- Taking inventory of kitchen supplies and food items and ordering stock as needed
- Able to work quickly and efficiently
- Able to stand for extended periods of time and lift 30+ pounds
- Food transportation to other school locations (valid driver’s license)
- Criminal Background check and health physical required
Summer Camp Counselors
Summary: Expanding company seeking Summer Counselors for Camps serving ages 4-12 years old. Located in Richmond Heights and Wickliffe, Ohio. We are looking for individuals who are smart, caring, hard-working, enthusiastic, and responsible- and most critically, are experienced in working with young children. Individuals must be able to commit to the full 10 weeks of camp (June 3-August 9.)
Assistant Director position now open. Will send over job description
- Lead a group of 10-15 campers in daily activities, including sports and games, creative arts, and Weekly theme based curriculum
- Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
- Help children learn to think creatively, to solve problems independently, and to respect themselves and others.
- Perform Other duties as assigned by Director or management staff
Must be at least 18 years old; high school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred. Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting. Strong communication and organizational skills. Genuine passion and enthusiasm for and desire to work with children
Benefits
At Early Steps Learning Center we take great pride in our staff. Our dedicated, passionate and fun staff are what makes our Center a “home away from home” for our children. It is our priority to treat our staff with the respect, care and compensation they deserve. We offer a great benefits package for full time employees including:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Tuition assistance
- Vacation
- Paid Training
- Paid holidays
- 401k
Join our Team!
Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, disability or national origin.
You can submit your resume and cover letter (including the position that you are interested in) by fax at (440)944-5933, email at earlysteps3@aol.com, or by our contact form below.
We encourage you to enter your contact information, select the position(s) in which you are interested, attach your cover letter (optional), and attach resume (required) below. Our Management Team will review and contact you if they are interested in an interview. Thank you for your interest in ESLC!