A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities.
Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For”. Great Colleges to Work For® is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career.
What We're Looking For
Baylor University is seeking a Senior Early Childhood Educator. The Senior Early Childhood Educator works onsite at The Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development directly with infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers.
Senior Early Childhood Educators serve within Human Sciences and Design in Robbins College and report to The Piper Center Director. These positions serve The Piper Center mission by providing high-quality educational programming in a child-directed, inquiry-based, play-centered learning environment as well as engaging in a collaborative and respectful work environment where collective understanding of child development, family education, and other related subjects is valued. Senior Educators model an exemplary learning environment, in which undergraduate Child and Family Studies students observe and interact with young children, apply and analyze concepts learned through coursework, and engage with mentors.
This position will work closely with other Piper staff, children and their families, student workers, practicum students, Baylor faculty, and outside therapists (OT, PT, SLP, ABA). This position may mentor laboratory students and support researchers. The position may collaborate with other early care and education professionals in the Waco community and beyond. This position may provide leadership to other early childhood educators.
A Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience are required. A Master's degree and five years of relevant work experience are preferred.
The successful candidate will have the following:
- An active Christian faith
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a Master’s degree preferred
- A minimum of three years of relevant work experience, preferably in a laboratory center setting
- Direct experience working with a diverse group of people, including children with special needs and their families
- Experience with implementing positive guidance techniques in the early years' classroom
- Ability to successfully partner with co-teacher to provide project-based, emergent curriculum; ability to lead the curriculum and documentation cycle
- Ability to compose effective correspondence both written and verbally
- Flexibility and desire to support the Missions of The Piper Center and Baylor University
The successful candidate must pass a criminal background check and TB test prior to start date. First Aid and CPR are required, but can be completed after the offer of employment if not already certified.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis.
What You Will Do
The position is responsible for creating, writing, adapting, and implementing developmentally appropriate curricula for multiple levels of learning within the classroom and for conducting developmental screenings and portfolio assessments of children. Job duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide quality teaching in an assigned classroom, which may include children from 12 weeks to 5 years of age
- Provide a model of appropriate teaching and caregiving practices to support the academic experiences of Baylor students
- Lead collaboration of inquiry-based, play-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum for classrooms
- Support CFS Laboratory faculty at The Piper Center, including leadership of collaboration with Piper Educators
- Plan and conduct developmental screenings and assessments as needed for children
- Observe and monitor groups of children daily
- Support new Piper Educators as needed
- Communicate and make learning visible to parents, students, and faculty
- Meet with families individually at least twice annually and as requested
- Act in a moral and ethical manner to reflect the purpose of Baylor University and the Piper Center
- Comply with University policies, NAEYC regulations, and Texas Minimum Standards
- Complete a minimum of 30 hours of professional development annually
- Work On-Site or Remotely as assigned by supervisor
- Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
- Ability to comply with University policies
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance
What You Can Expect
As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.
Explore & Engage
Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds. Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally. If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!