Early Childhood Educator

Early Childhood Educator

The Bowdoin College Children’s Center offers a unique nature‑based outdoor preschool program that immerses children in the natural world as a central part of their learning experience. The Center’s philosophy is grounded in supporting children’s emotional needs through secure relationships and responsive caregiving. It emphasizes generous amounts of uninterrupted outdoor play, exploration, and experimentation as key components of a nature‑based curriculum.

The Center is NAEYC accredited and is deeply engaged in anti‑bias and anti‑racist work, supported by professional development and ongoing consultation throughout the year.

We are seeking an Early Childhood Educator to join our collaborative and professional team. This role offers a dynamic opportunity to work in a college campus‑based childcare center committed to providing high‑quality care and education. The Center fosters a calm, organized, and engaged work environment where staff collaborate weekly to reflect on practices, discuss concerns, and plan curriculum. The Early Childhood Educator plays a vital support role in ensuring the smooth daily operations of the program.

• Assisting with supervision both indoors and outdoors
• Supporting daily routines such as setting up nap time, prepping snacks, and washing dishes
• Reading stories, singing songs, and engaging meaningfully with children
• Participating in the classroom in alignment with the Center’s mission and philosophy

The hourly rate for this position is $21 per hour. This is a part‑time “casual” position, meaning a schedule of up to 19 hours per week.

Standard work days and hours: varied hours, Monday–Friday; onsite, part‑time, non‑benefit eligible; tentative start date mid‑late August 2026.

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• A combination of education with extensive experience is acceptable
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and a genuine commitment to the field of early childhood education

Preferred:

• Child development coursework or an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Acceptable educational equivalents: a combination of education with extensive experience and excellent communication skills

Required:

• Current CPR / First Aid certification
• Must sign Child Abuse Policy statement
• Complete Bowdoin College’s OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen training and have proof of Hepatitis B vaccination or submit a written declination statement

Preferred:

• Minimum of one‑year experience working with young children in a professional setting

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this posting to be considered for hire. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks, including criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job‑related), and/or credit history (when job‑related).

Bowdoin College is not able to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for three references, including name, email address, phone number and how you know the reference.

Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.