Early Years Educator (Maternity Cover)

About the role

The International School of Milan is seeking an Early Years Educator for a maternity cover role. The school was founded in 1958, serves over 900 students from more than 60 nationalities and offers IB programmes (PYP, MYP and DP). Its campus, opened in September 2013, includes a theatre, swimming pool, gymnasium and specialist classrooms. Early Years Educators teach a range of abilities in small groups, embracing diversity and placing student agency at the centre of learning.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, play-based Early Years education for children aged 2-5
• Plan and implement learning experiences supporting cognitive, social, emotional and physical development
• Create a safe, nurturing and inclusive classroom environment
• Observe, assess and track children's progress and use evidence to inform planning
• Communicate with parents and guardians about children's development and learning
• Work with colleagues to provide consistent Early Years provision
• Support early language, communication, numeracy and social development through play-based activities
• Contribute to school events, trips and extracurricular activities
• Implement safeguarding, behaviour and pastoral care policies
• Reflect on practice and take part in continuous professional development

Required profile

• Recognised Early Years teaching qualification
• Experience working with children aged 2-5 in an Early Years or nursery setting
• Ideally previous experience of the IB PYP curriculum; other curricula are considered if the applicant is committed to high standards
• Understanding of child development and early years pedagogy, including EYFS, Reggio Emilia or equivalent frameworks
• Excellent communication skills with children, parents and colleagues
• Strong classroom management, organisation and planning skills
• Passionate, child-centred approach and reflective, adaptable mindset

Applicants must apply through the school's application form together with their CV; the application closes on 31 December 2026. Pre-employment background checks are carried out.