Early Years Practitioner Jobs
Early Years Practitioner jobs are open across childcare centers, preschools, and early intervention programs, at every level from entry-level assistant to lead practitioner and room leader, with specializations in infant and toddler care, SEND support, and curriculum planning. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 11+ Early Years Practitioner jobs
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher – Early Years Program
Location: Early Years Program
Overview:
Full-time Early Exceptional Children Preschool Teachers for the Early Years Program. Teachers are responsible for planning, organizing and implementing an instructional program for preschool students identified with a special education classification including autism spectrum disorder that will help students achieve their maximum potential.
General Responsibilities:
- Maintain professionalism, confidentiality and an atmosphere that promotes young student learning.
- Keep accurate records as required by district directive and State/Federal regulations.
- Support colleagues in differentiating instruction to meet the learning needs of assigned students.
- Implement individualized communication systems.
- Implement Behavior Support Strategies based on evidence established practices for preschool students with autism and emotional regulation.
- Write and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans which incorporate Early Learning Foundations.
- Serve as integral part of the IEP team as well as write developmentally appropriate goals for preschool students based on data.
- Integrate technology in instruction.
- Provide differentiated instruction based on the student individual level of functioning and preferred learning modalities in accordance with the student's IEP and research based curriculum interventions and programs.
- Develop and implement a classroom management system which teaches clear and concise classroom routines, procedures and expectations with the use of visual schedules.
- Be knowledgeable of and able to implement positive behavior supports for challenging behaviors.
- Administer appropriate and required informal and formal assessments based on student need and state regulations.
- Collects and interprets data and utilize to modify instruction, content and to report progress to IEP members including parents and school district.
- Attend all professional development training offered as well as parent informational meetings and family events.
Delaware Certified in Early Childhood Education
Delaware Teaching Certificate in Exceptional Children Early Childhood Birth – 2
Autism & Severe Disabilities Preferred
Required Certificate(s):
(One or more are required to qualify for this position.)
Delaware Advanced License
Delaware Continuing License
Delaware Initial License
Required Endorsement(s):
(One or more are required to qualify for this position.)
DEASD Teacher of Students with Autism
DEECSE Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
DEEXSE Exceptional Children Special Education Teacher
REQUIREMENTS:
External Applicants:
Completed Online Application via Join Delaware Schools
https://www.joindelawareschools.org/
Letter of Interest
Resume'
Three letters of reference
Internal Candidates:
Completed Online Application via Join Delaware Schools
https://www.joindelawareschools.org/
Letter of Interest
Resume'
Contact Information:
Cari Phillips, M. Ed, Principal
Red Clay Early Years Program
Early Learning Center
Phone (302)434-6087
Cari.Phillips@redclay.k12.de.us
Closing Date: Until Filled
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher – Early Years Program
Location: Early Years Program
Overview:
Full-time Early Exceptional Children Preschool Teachers for the Early Years Program. Teachers are responsible for planning, organizing and implementing an instructional program for preschool students identified with a special education classification including autism spectrum disorder that will help students achieve their maximum potential.
General Responsibilities:
- Maintain professionalism, confidentiality and an atmosphere that promotes young student learning.
- Keep accurate records as required by district directive and State/Federal regulations.
- Support colleagues in differentiating instruction to meet the learning needs of assigned students.
- Implement individualized communication systems.
- Implement Behavior Support Strategies based on evidence established practices for preschool students with autism and emotional regulation.
- Write and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans which incorporate Early Learning Foundations.
- Serve as integral part of the IEP team as well as write developmentally appropriate goals for preschool students based on data.
- Integrate technology in instruction.
- Provide differentiated instruction based on the student individual level of functioning and preferred learning modalities in accordance with the student's IEP and research based curriculum interventions and programs.
- Develop and implement a classroom management system which teaches clear and concise classroom routines, procedures and expectations with the use of visual schedules.
- Be knowledgeable of and able to implement positive behavior supports for challenging behaviors.
- Administer appropriate and required informal and formal assessments based on student need and state regulations.
- Collects and interprets data and utilize to modify instruction, content and to report progress to IEP members including parents and school district.
- Attend all professional development training offered as well as parent informational meetings and family events.
Delaware Certified in Early Childhood Education
Delaware Teaching Certificate in Exceptional Children Early Childhood Birth – 2
Autism & Severe Disabilities Preferred
Required Certificate(s):
(One or more are required to qualify for this position.)
Delaware Advanced License
Delaware Continuing License
Delaware Initial License
Required Endorsement(s):
(One or more are required to qualify for this position.)
DEASD Teacher of Students with Autism
DEECSE Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
DEEXSE Exceptional Children Special Education Teacher
REQUIREMENTS:
External Applicants:
Completed Online Application via Join Delaware Schools
https://www.joindelawareschools.org/
Letter of Interest
Resume'
Three letters of reference
Internal Candidates:
Completed Online Application via Join Delaware Schools
https://www.joindelawareschools.org/
Letter of Interest
Resume'
Contact Information:
Cari Phillips, M. Ed, Principal
Red Clay Early Years Program
Early Learning Center
Phone (302)434-6087
Cari.Phillips@redclay.k12.de.us
Closing Date: Until Filled
See All 11 Early Years Practitioner Jobs
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Find Early Years Practitioner JobsEarly Years Practitioner Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in early years practitioner jobs.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent state certification
- Experience working with children ages birth through five in a licensed setting
- Current CPR and pediatric first aid certification
- Knowledge of early childhood development frameworks and age-appropriate curriculum
- Ability to maintain accurate child observation records and developmental documentation
- Experience supporting children with diverse learning needs or SEND classifications
Tips for Your Early Years Practitioner Job Search
List your credentials front and center
Early years hiring managers scan for certifications like CDA, CPR, and first aid before reading anything else. Put these in a dedicated credentials section at the top of your resume, not buried in a skills list at the bottom.
Tailor your resume to the age group
Employers hiring for infant rooms and those hiring for pre-K classrooms look for different experience. Adjust your resume to emphasize the age group and developmental stage most relevant to each specific posting you apply to.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists early years practitioner openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target centers by their curriculum model
Centers using Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or HighScope approaches prefer candidates with matching experience or training. Identify which curriculum a center uses from its job posting and weave that language naturally into your cover letter.
Prepare for an observed practice component
Many early years interviews include a live or recorded activity with children rather than just a panel conversation. Practice a short, age-appropriate activity you can deliver confidently and be ready to explain your choices to the interviewer afterward.
Negotiate your continued professional development
Many employers offer training budgets or paid study days but don't advertise them upfront. During the offer stage, ask specifically about support for courses, conferences, or higher credentials like an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
Early Years Practitioner Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most early years practitioners?
The companies hiring the most early years practitioners right now include Qnity, Delaware Schools Consortium, and YMCA, with the largest share of openings in Delaware, Oregon, and New Mexico, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Availability shifts frequently, so checking current listings directly gives you the most accurate picture.
How many early years practitioner jobs are remote?
About 0% of early years practitioner openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most hands-on childcare roles require on-site presence. Remote opportunities tend to concentrate in curriculum development, early childhood program coordination, and virtual SEND support or coaching roles rather than direct classroom positions.
How do you become an early years practitioner?
Start by completing a high school diploma and earning a Child Development Associate credential, which requires 120 hours of formal early childhood education training and documented hours working with children. From there, gaining experience in a licensed childcare setting builds the practical foundation most employers require. Many practitioners then pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education to move into lead or supervisory roles.
How do you get hired as an early years practitioner with little or no experience?
Start by applying for assistant or floater positions at childcare centers, which typically have lower experience requirements and are designed as entry points into the field. Volunteering at a community preschool or summer program gives you documented hours to reference on applications. Earning your CPR certification and beginning CDA coursework before you apply signals commitment and addresses the credential gap employers see most often in entry-level candidates.
What does the early years practitioner interview process look like?
Most early years practitioner interviews begin with a phone or video screen focused on your background, certifications, and availability. An in-person interview typically follows, often involving a tour of the facility and questions about child development, behavior management, and safeguarding procedures. Many centers also ask you to complete a short observed activity with a small group of children so they can assess how you interact and communicate at a developmentally appropriate level.
Where can I find and apply to early years practitioner jobs?
You can find and apply to early years practitioner jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your experience level, age group specialization, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 11 Early Years Practitioner Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Early Years Practitioner Jobs