Early Childhood Educator

Overview

Are you a passionate and engaged early childhood or daycare professional looking for an opportunity to grow your career with an employer who supports you?

Auburn University manages the Harris Early Learning Center in Birmingham, Alabama, and we’re looking for someone like you to join our vibrant and supportive team in our state-of-the-art accredited preschool facility for over 200 children ranging in age from six weeks to five years old!

Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of children, with a deep commitment to:

Providing high-quality care and education Training and educating college students who plan to be educators Conducting research on child development and the role teachers play. Our Teachers are critical to our success at Harris Early Learning Center!

In this role, you will have the important opportunity to plan, create, and implement daily programs for preschool learning environments. Each classroom is staffed with two full-time Teachers, and we have 16 classrooms at the Center. As a Harris Early Learning Center Teacher, you will be an Auburn University employee.

Here’s how the Auburn University/Harris Early Learning Center Supports our Teacher Family:

Our people are our greatest asset! We offer generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a supportive work environment making it a place where you can thrive. From health insurance to retirement plans, we’ve got you covered. Learn more about how we support employees by visiting aub.ie/working-at-auburn Auburn University/Harris Early Learning Center Teachers are eligible to receive assistance to pursue Child Development Associate credential, Associate’s degrees, and Bachelor’s degrees through partnerships with community colleges or Auburn University’s online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science, Early Child Development.

Learn more about Auburn University and the Harris Early Learning Center by visiting https://www.harriselc.org/ State of Alabama Teacher.

Salary Matrix Salaries are determined by level of education and years of experience.

State of Alabama Teacher Salary Matrix:

• High School Diploma: $32,198 – $39,998 annually
• Associate’s Degree: $34,195 – $41,995 annually
• Bachelor’s Degree: $36,192 – $43,992 annually
• Master’s Degree: $38,189 – $45,989 annually

Formal AU Title: HELC Teacher

Responsibilities

• Plans and implements developmentally appropriate lesson plans for students according to National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards.
• Develops relationships with students and navigates student conflict and behavior in accordance with NAEYC standards.
• Provides culturally and linguistically responsive teaching in accordance with research and NAEYC standards.
• Develops reciprocal partnership with families and engages families within the classroom in accordance with NAYEC standards. Provides consistent communication with families and utilizes Procare to provide accurate documentation.
• Demonstrates professionalism within the workplace including but not limited to timeliness, attendance, communication, and attire.
• Completes 25 professional development hours related to early childhood development and education.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum License and Certifications:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) First Aid Certificate within 60 Days Required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Progress towards a CDA-Child Development Associate.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of child development in all areas of development (physical, social, emotional, cognitive, creative), as well as appropriate communication with parents of young children.
• Basic knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; and psychological research methods.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups.
• Ability to select and use training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Ability to monitor/assess performance of students to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Ability to instruct students individually or in groups, adapting teaching methods to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Ability to discuss student progress with parents and/or guardians conveying educational needs and results in the classroom.

Contract Type

Continuing
Why Work at Auburn

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement


It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Posted Date

9/22/2026