Job Description
Job DescriptionBenefits:
- Employee discounts
- Paid time off
- Training & development
Ivybrook Academy — Bala Cynwyd, PA
Preschool Educator — Summer Camp + 2026–2027 School YearA rare chance to do meaningful early childhood work — without lesson planning, without long hours, and without giving up your afternoons.
Job type: Part-time, in person Hours: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm, Monday – Friday
Pay: $20.00/hr Location: Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Summer camp: June 1 – August 7, 2026 School year begins: September 8, 2026
ABOUT THE ROLE
Ivybrook Academy Bala Cynwyd is opening its doors in Summer 2026, and we are building our inaugural teaching team. We are looking for educators who are genuinely passionate about early childhood education — people who believe that a well-prepared environment, a curious child, and a thoughtful teacher are all you need to create something extraordinary.
This position begins with our Summer Discovery Camp (June 1 – August 7, 2026) and transitions into the 2026–2027 school year starting September 8. We are looking for educators who are ready to commit to both.
WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT
Your afternoons are yours.
Half-day schedule means you are done by 12:30 every day — pick up your kids, coach a sport, pursue your own education, or simply breathe.
No lesson planning from scratch.
Our full emergent curriculum is provided. You bring the relationships and the care — we handle the framework.
A classroom worth walking into.
Fully stocked with Montessori materials, sensory tools, and hands-on learning supplies. The environment is built to inspire — students and teachers alike.
An educational philosophy you can believe in.
We blend Montessori and Reggio Emilia — following children’s curiosity into genuine, long-form investigations rather than scripted units.
Low ratios. Real relationships.
Small class sizes mean you actually know your students. You will see the growth firsthand — and families will notice that you do.
Be part of something new.
You will be one of the first educators at a brand-new campus. Your voice shapes the culture from day one.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Build genuine relationships with each child (ages 18 months to 6 years) and their families
• Implement our emergent, Montessori and Reggio-inspired curriculum with support from school leadership
• Observe and document each child’s growth through ongoing portfolio assessments
• Maintain warm, consistent communication with families about their child’s experience
• Create a classroom environment that is safe, inclusive, and full of wonder
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and school events
• Support the summer camp program with STEAM activities, early literacy, and socialization
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The right fit is someone who has a clear teaching philosophy — and who lights up when talking about how young children actually learn. You do not need to have a Montessori credential or a Reggio background, but you should know what those words mean and why they matter.
• Prior experience working with children in a preschool, childcare, or licensed early learning setting
• Strong communication skills with both children and adults
• The flexibility and humor to thrive in a dynamic, child-led environment
• Associate’s degree or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential preferred; Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is a plus
• All candidates must complete Pennsylvania’s three required background clearances before their start date — a State Police criminal history check, a child abuse history check, and an FBI fingerprint check. We will walk you through the process.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development (Pennsylvania requires a minimum of 12 hours of training per year for childcare staff)
BENEFITS
• Our calendar follows the Lower Merion School District schedule — so when your kids are off for holidays and breaks, you are too
• Approximately one month of paid time off per year
• 50% tuition discount for your children
• Supportive, professional, and small-team environment
• Work-life balance associated with a half-day schedule — no before or after school care responsibilities
Ivybrook Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background clearances. This position requires compliance with Pennsylvania DHS licensing rules for child care centers.