Independence was founded in 1978 by parents seeking a challenging education that would be strong in the academic areas, arts, foreign languages, and athletics. Today, the school occupies a 90-acre campus in the Pike Creek Valley (near Hockessin, Newark, and Wilmington, Cecil County, MD, and Southeastern Chester County, PA), and features state of the art facilities and outdoor classrooms. 
The Independence School, an independent day school welcoming children age 3 through 8th Grade, provides an exceptionally strong academic foundation and so much more.  At Independence, students learn to think for themselves. They learn independence. Our school mission, beliefs, and core values guide us to ensure we offer students an unparalleled educational experience, opportunities for leadership and a welcoming community for the entire family.

We encourage you to learn more about our school. Please click the link below.
https://www.theindependenceschool.org/about-us/employment-opportunities

Early Childhood Teacher
Direct Supervisor: Head of Early Childhood and Lower School
FLSA: Exempt
Type: Full-Time Faculty Employee

The Early Childhood Teacher is a creative, passionate, and student-centered educator who demonstrates superior and current knowledge of early childhood education and best practices. This teacher is dedicated to fostering a love of learning while developing foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth. They elicit engaging, hands-on, and meaningful learning experiences for all students.

Professional Attributes

• High energy and enthusiasm with the ability to learn quickly, make an immediate impact, and implement new initiatives

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of assignments 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, displaying the ability to connect and build relationships with employees, students, and parents  

• Confidence in professional aptitude with the ability to effectively convey skills and knowledge

• Positive team player with a strong desire to be an active, long-term participant in the growth of the School

• Supports and aligns with the School’s philosophy, mission, values, and policies

• Commitment to fostering and supporting a safe and healthy atmosphere and an inclusive community

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans that align with the School’s early childhood curriculum and developmental standards

• Support learning in foundational areas, including language and literacy, early math, science, social skills, and creative expression, using hands-on, play-based, and experiential methods

• Differentiate instruction and activities to meet the individual developmental, social, and emotional needs of all children

• Observe and assess children’s growth and learning through daily interactions, documentation, and various assessment tools, providing timely and constructive feedback to families

• Create a nurturing, supportive, and stimulating classroom environment that fosters curiosity, independence, cooperation, and positive self-expression

• Integrate social-emotional learning, character development, and problem-solving skills into daily routines and activities

• Collaborate with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects, thematic units, and classroom experiences

• Communicate effectively with families, sharing updates on children’s progress, classroom activities, and milestones

• Participate in staff meetings, school-wide events, and ongoing professional development to remain current with best practices in early childhood education

• Utilize the School’s 90-acre campus as an extension of the classroom for outdoor exploration, nature-based learning, and experiential activities

• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or above in early childhood education or a related field

• At least 2 years of experience teaching at the preschool level, preferably in Early Childhood or a similar age group

• Possesses a strong understanding of child development and learning progressions to effectively support students' academic, social, and emotional growth.

• Demonstrates an understanding of research-based instructional practices

• Excellent classroom management skills that promote a positive learning environment

• Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail

• Aptitude to learn new systems, software, and platforms, including student information systems

• Comfortable in a Windows environment and with Google Workspace/MS Office.

• High level of confidentiality and discretion

12/15/25

The Independence School prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

About The Independence School

The Independence School, located on 90 acres in the Pike Creek Valley, provides an exceptionally strong academic foundation, delivered in a stimulating environment that reflects a strong commitment to citizenship and character development. Independence graduates are academically successful, intellectually curious, and demonstrate leadership and self-responsibility. The school welcomes children age 3 through grade 8.

Connections working at The Independence School