<p>Somerset County Public Schools is recruiting early childhood teachers for the 2026-2027 school year. Join a small but mighty district offering competitive salaries, a generous leave package, supportive leadership, and a strong sense of community.</p> <p>I. Summary</p> <p>The Early Childhood Teacher is responsible for fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of young learners. In alignment with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, the teacher will provide high-quality, evidence-based instruction that ensures all students enter elementary school ready to succeed and meet key developmental milestones.</p> <p>II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li> <p>Curriculum & Instruction: Delivers age-appropriate instruction based on the Maryland Early Learning Standards and the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS).</p> </li><li> <p>Foundational Literacy: Implements evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, ensuring students develop essential phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary skills.</p> </li><li> <p>Play-Based & Inquiry Learning: Utilizes modeling, creative problem-solving, and purposeful play-based strategies to engage young children in abstract reasoning and social exploration.</p> </li><li> <p>Data-Informed Planning: Diagnoses the learning and developmental needs of students through regular formative assessments (such as the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment - KRA) to prescribe individualized learning goals.</p> </li><li> <p>Differentiation: Customizes daily lessons to support a diverse range of learners, including students with disabilities (IEP/504), English Language Learners, and advanced learners.</p> </li><li> <p>Technology Integration: Uses age-appropriate technology and interactive tools as an integral part of instruction to enhance engagement and digital literacy.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborative Practice: Partners with specialized faculty (Title I, Special Education, ESOL) and participates in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to improve instructional delivery.</p> </li><li> <p>Classroom Management: Establishes restorative, trauma-informed classroom routines and procedures that maintain a safe, fair, and positive learning atmosphere.</p> </li><li> <p>Assistant Supervision: Plans for and directs the daily activities of Instructional Assistants and volunteers to maximize small-group learning opportunities.</p> </li><li> <p>Parent & Community Engagement: Builds strong, respectful relationships with families; conducts conferences and provides regular, objective progress reports on child development.</p> </li><li> <p>Professionalism: Maintains a valid Maryland Teaching Certificate; participates in school improvement processes and stays current with early childhood research.</p> </li><li> <p>Record Keeping: Maintains accurate digital records regarding attendance, developmental checklists, and student progress in accordance with SCPS policy.</p> </li></ul>