Early Childhood Educator

About the Role
Little Learning Grove is seeking a warm, intentional, and passionate Early Childhood Educator to join our small, community-rooted school in South Austin. 

This role is ideal for an educator who believes that childhood should be playful, purposeful, and protected, and who values curiosity, connection, and a slower, more thoughtful approach to early education.

About Our School
Little Learning Grove is an independently run, nonprofit preschool serving children ages 3–7 in small, mixed-age classes. Our program is grounded in hands-on, curiosity-driven learning, with a strong emphasis on outdoor exploration, social-emotional development, and whole-child education.

Our classrooms are intentionally small (10–15 students), allowing teachers to build deep relationships with each child and their family. Our student teacher ratio is 7:1.

We are a screen-free environment and we spend 3 hrs a day outside! We want to work with someone who loves nature!

What You’ll Do

• Create a nurturing, safe, and engaging classroom environment where children feel seen, valued, and supported
• Facilitate play-based, hands-on learning experiences rooted in children’s interests and developmental needs
• Support social-emotional growth through guidance, collaboration, and relationship-building
• Encourage creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving through open-ended exploration
• Incorporate outdoor learning and nature-based experiences into the daily rhythm
• Collaborate with a small, supportive teaching team to plan meaningful curriculum and activities
• Build strong, respectful partnerships with families through consistent communication
• Observe and support each child’s individual growth and development

Who You Are

• Passionate about early childhood education and child-led, play-based learning
• Warm, patient, and deeply respectful of children as capable individuals
• Values connection, community, and relationship-driven teaching
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, reflective team environment
• Creative, flexible, and able to follow children’s interests while guiding learning
• Excited about outdoor learning, nature play, and screen-free education

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood education (preschool, Pre-K, or early elementary)
• Background or interest in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, or similar child-centered approaches
• Degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education or related field (preferred but not required)
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

Schedule & Environment

• Part-time 4 days a week
• School hours: approximately 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Small class sizes with strong teacher support
• Calm, nature-rich, intentionally designed learning environment

Why Little Learning Grove

At Little Learning Grove, we believe teaching is meaningful, creative, and deeply human work. Our educators are trusted professionals who are supported, valued, and given space to bring their whole selves into the classroom.

Here, you’ll find a close-knit community, a thoughtful pace, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact during the most important years of a child’s development.