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Urban Sprouts is looking for a highly organized, proactive Administrative Specialist to support our CEO and help keep our growing nonprofit running smoothly. This role is perfect for someone who thrives behind the scenes—managing calendars, coordinating meetings, supporting projects, and serving as a key partner to leadership. You’ll play an essential role in advancing our mission by helping our CEO stay focused, prepared, and effective.

We’re seeking someone who is detail-oriented, adaptable, and passionate about community impact.

Daily Operations

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the executive leadership team.

• Manage and coordinate complex scheduling and calendar management for the CEO and COO, including the arrangement of meetings and events.

• Undertake additional tasks and projects as assigned by the COO and CEO.

Organizational Coordination

• Serve as a liaison between the CEO and staff, partners, and stakeholders

• Track key projects, deadlines, and organizational priorities

• Support internal communication and ensure timely follow-through on action items

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain organized systems for files, documents, and workflows

• Support special projects and organizational initiatives as needed

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and processes

Benefits Coordinator

• Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance Management

• Oversee the enrollment, renewal, and management of health, vision, dental, and life insurance benefits for employees.

• Assist new hires with benefits enrollment and provide ongoing support for existing employees.

• Ensure all benefit-related information is accurately documented and maintained.

• Retirement Plan Administration (503b)

• Manage the enrollment, renewal, and administration of the 503b retirement plan.

• Guide new hires through the retirement plan options and assist with the enrollment process.

• Provide ongoing support and information to employees regarding their retirement benefits.

Finance Support: Bookkeeping 

• Work with the COO, accountants and their systems in place to maintain and update financial records, including ledgers, receipts, invoices, and payments.

• Maintain data entry and reconcile deposits within the SmartcareOS tuition system

• Assist with federal and state subsidy reporting

• Perform additional accounting and administrative data entry tasks as assigned

• Provide support to the COO and accountants in various tasks and projects.

• Track and manage tuition payments from families.

• Ensure timely collection and accurate recording of tuition fees.

• Assist with internal and external audits as needed (gathering documentation)

*As the primary support to the CEO, the individual in this role must be highly adaptable and proficient in maintaining organization. They must possess the ability to effectively prioritize tasks, particularly those related to the ongoing operations of the business and the support of the leadership team.

Café O’Play is a new, mission-driven café opening in Spring 2026 as an extension of Urban Sprouts Child Development Center, a nonprofit organization rooted in community, care, and education.

More than a coffee shop, Café O’Play will be a welcoming neighborhood gathering space—a place where high-quality coffee, thoughtfully prepared food, and warm hospitality come together in a family-friendly environment. Designed to support caregivers, educators, families, and community members, Café O’Play will reflect Urban Sprouts’ values of connection, creativity, and intentionality. 

The Cafe will be unique because it is part of a larger nonprofit, Urban Sprouts Child Development Center. We want the spirit of Urban Sprouts to shine through. That spirit emphasizes joy and play and we want our cafe to be a play-forward community gathering space.

During the day, the cafe will operate like a more typical specialty coffee shop and cafe. In the afternoons and evenings, it will house separate programs, an afterschool tutoring program and a program that fights food insecurity by providing meals at no cost to children and families in need (these program will be run separately from the cafe but the GM should have a collaborative spirit and a heart for nonprofit work and community wellbeing since we are a cohesive team).

The café will balance exceptional specialty coffee standards with accessibility and a joyful atmosphere—creating a space where people feel cared for, staff feel empowered, and community relationships can grow.

Position Summary

The General Manager of Café O’Play will play a foundational role in bringing this new café to life. This position blends hospitality leadership, operational excellence, and community-building, with a strong emphasis on people—both guests and team members.

The General Manager will be responsible for building and leading the café team, establishing systems and culture from the ground up, and ensuring consistently high standards of coffee quality, service, and guest experience. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in both hands-on leadership and strategic planning, and who is excited to help shape a new concept from its earliest days.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Hire, onboard, train, and manage all café employees

• Create and foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture

• Develop and maintain training materials, including:

• Employee handbook

• Training manual

• Conduct bi-annual (or at minimum, annual) performance reviews

• Lead by example on the floor when needed, including opening, closing, or shift coverage

Operations & Administration

• Create weekly staff schedules at least two weeks in advance

• Ensure appropriate staffing levels during all operating hours

• Place and manage weekly vendor orders

• Submit bi-weekly payroll accurately and on time

• Track, manage, and report monthly inventory

• Monitor sales, labor, and key performance metrics

• Maintain POS backend programming and menu updates

Menu, Quality & Guest Experience

• Develop new menu items and recipes aligned with the café’s vision

• Ensure consistent, high-quality coffee and food standards

• Maintain a strong focus on hospitality and guest satisfaction

• Address guest feedback and resolve concerns professionally and thoughtfully

Facilities & Compliance

• Ensure all equipment and facilities are clean, safe, and in proper working condition

• Coordinate maintenance and repairs as needed

• Maintain a current state-issued SERVSafe Manager Certification

Marketing & Brand Collaboration

• Collaborate with Urban Sprouts leadership and marketing partners to shape:

• Brand voice and messaging

• Visual identity and guest experience

• Promotions and community engagement efforts

Qualifications & Experience

• Passion for specialty coffee and the ability to inspire that passion in others

• Strong desire to serve others and lead with hospitality

• Proven experience in hospitality management

• Experience managing a specialty coffee shop with food service or a restaurant

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities

• Comfort with POS systems, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and related tools

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Organized, proactive, and detail-oriented

Reporting Relationships

• Reports To: The Director of Storytelling & Engagement will serve as the direct point of contact and act as a liaison between Café O Play and the center. If the direct supervisor is unavailable, the Chief of Strategy and Institutional Advancement and the Chief Operations Officer will serve as secondary points of contact for additional support.

• Supervises: All Café O’Play staff

Benefits 

• Consistent schedule

• Paid onboarding and training period prior to opening

• Opportunities to help build and shape a new café from the ground up

• Supportive, mission-driven nonprofit work environment

• 403(b) Retirement Plan

• 75% employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance

• After one year of employment, coverage increases to 90%

• Paid holidays

• Two paid mental health days

• One week of paid vacation/sick time

Early Childhood Education Coach, Community of Practice

A community of practice (CoP) is a group of individuals who come together to pursue a shared purpose, exchange knowledge, and foster learning and change. For leaders of a given field, having a CoP to rely on can be an essential source of support, continuous development, and well-being.

In our case, this shared purpose is catalyzing excellence throughout our region’s early learning system so that all children and families, regardless of identity, have access to high quality, affordable education and care.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Coaches serve as a supportive resource for early childhood (ages 0-5) educators and program leaders, working to strengthen instructional practices and promote high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and education across the region. ECE Coaches work directly alongside caregivers and teaching teams to guide, model, and reinforce Ideal Learning practices in multiple early childhood settings throughout the region. Through coaching, observation, modeling, and professional development, the ECE Coach helps improve educator practice and positive outcomes for young children.

This position will report to the Senior Director, Community of Practice. 

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as collaborator and resource to early childhood (ages 0-5) educators and program leaders at Urban Sprouts, and with our community partners at sites across the 24:1 to support continuous quality improvement throughout the region

• Promote and support the implementation of Ideal Learning practices across diverse early childhood programs

• Conduct classroom observations and provide reflective, strengths- based feedback to educators

• Collect and analyze data to monitor individual teacher/program progress, evaluate coaching effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement

• Use coaching strategies to guide early childhood educators in planning, implementing, and refining curriculum and instructional practices; emphasis placed on addressing individual needs identified in program assessment tools

• Support early childhood educators in understanding child development and applying developmentally appropriate care and education

• Facilitate professional development opportunities, including trainings, workshops, and small group learning experiences to early childhood programs within the community

• Assist early childhood programs in aligning curriculum and teaching practices with best practices, standards, and program goals

• Build trusting relationships with early childhood educators and program leaders that encourage growth, reflection, and professional confidence

• Maintain documentation related to coaching activities, observations, and professional development outcomes

• Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to support program-wide and regional early childhood initiatives

You might be a great fit for this work if you:

• Possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.

• Have 5+ years, hands-on experience as a lead teacher in early childhood (ages 0-5) classrooms and have a strong understanding of Constructivist, Developmentally Appropriate Practices (as identified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children - NAEYC)

• Possess prior experience in adult-based education, coaching, mentoring, and supporting early childhood educators in reflective and growth-focused ways

• Are comfortable working directly in classroom settings, modeling instructional strategies and engaging in observation and feedback

• Have experience working with diverse, urban early childhood communities and value culturally responsive and inclusive practices

• Are committed to equity and inclusion and intentionally center these principles in your work with early childhood educators, children, and families

• Enjoy building trusting relationships with educators from a variety of backgrounds and experiences

• Adapt to support various early childhood programs across multiple  sites

• Able and willing to travel between program locations throughout the region

• Are a strong communicator who approaches mentoring/coaching with empathy, professionalism, and collaboration

• Are passionate about strengthening early childhood education to improve outcomes for all children throughout the region

Compensation & Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience.

Our generous benefits include:

• Medical Health Insurance of which we pay 75% of the premium to start and 90% of the premium after your one year service anniversary

• Dental & Vision insurance of which we pay 75% of the premium to start and 90% of the premium after your one year service anniversary

• Free snacks and beverages

• Free CPR/First Aid training as well as other trainings throughout the year

• 2 Paid Mental Health Days a year

• One Week of Paid Sick/Vacation time to start, Two Weeks after Two Years, Three Weeks after Five Years

• One Week of Paid Holiday Vacation time during our annual winter break

• One Week of Paid Holiday Vacation during our annual Spring break

• Three Day Paid Fall Break during Thanksgiving

• All Federal Holidays Paid, to include Juneteenth and MLK day

• Special Staff Appreciation Event in Summer (typically involving free travel)

• 403 B (comparable to 401K) retirement plan

Urban Sprouts Child Development Center is seeking a dependable and team-oriented Sous Chef to support our Head Chef and kitchen operations. This position plays an important role in preparing nutritious meals for young children in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Position Overview:

The Sous Chef will assist with daily meal preparation, food production, kitchen organization, and sanitation. This role works closely with the Chef and school leadership to ensure meals are prepared safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all health regulations.

Responsibilities Include:

• Chopping, slicing, and prepping ingredients for daily meals and snacks

• Assisting with cooking and food production

• Dishwashing and maintaining a clean kitchen environment

• Receiving and organizing food deliveries

• Following food safety and sanitation guidelines

• Supporting menu preparation and kitchen workflow

Qualifications:

• Previous kitchen or food service experience preferred

• Knowledge of basic food safety practices

• Ability to work efficiently in a team environment

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs

Urban Sprouts offers a supportive team environment where your work directly supports the health and well-being of children. We are looking for someone reliable, hardworking, and passionate about food service.

The Classroom Teacher provides leadership within the classroom to ensure a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment grounded in a Reggio Emilia–inspired philosophy. This role is responsible for curriculum design and implementation, classroom management, documentation of children’s learning, and fostering strong relationships with families. The Classroom Teacher serves as a facilitator of child-led inquiry and a collaborative partner to colleagues while advancing the mission and values of Urban Sprouts. This role reports directly to the Head of Pedagogy.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Classroom Operations

• Maintain at all times high-quality child care standards grounded in developmentally appropriate practice and aligned with the school’s philosophy and curriculum approach.

• Design and maintain an inviting, intentional classroom environment that reflects children’s interests and supports inquiry-based learning.

• Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all children, responding promptly and appropriately to incidents or concerns.

• Maintain child-to-staff ratios at all times and collaborate with leadership to ensure proper classroom coverage.

• Establish consistent classroom routines that promote independence, responsibility, and community.

• Support and lead with Co- Teacher(s) and support staff within the classroom.

• Maintain accurate attendance, incident reports, and required documentation in accordance with licensing requirements.

Curriculum and Documentation

• Lead the development and implementation of emergent, project-based curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.

• Observe children closely and document learning through photographs, written reflections, and displays that make learning visible.

• Plan intentional provocations and experiences that extend children’s thinking and inquiry.

• Use assessment tools and documentation to inform instruction and individualize learning experiences.

• Collaborate with the pedagogical team to reflect on curriculum, plan next steps, and ensure alignment across classrooms.

• Participate in ongoing professional development to deepen understanding of child development and Reggio-inspired practice.

Family and Child Engagement

• Maintain strong, respectful, and consistent communication with families.

• Conduct parent-teacher conferences and share documentation of children’s growth and development.

• Support family engagement events and school-wide initiatives.

• Partner with families using strengths-based and culturally responsive practices.

• Collaborate with leadership and support staff when developmental or behavioral concerns arise.

Team Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Serve as a collaborative and supportive member of the teaching team.

• Model professionalism, reflective practice, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and school events.

• Support Assistant Teachers through mentorship, coaching, and clear communication.

• Maintain working knowledge of Missouri State Child Care Licensing regulations and NAEYC standards.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and sustainability of the program.

Farm to Table Integration

• Integrate garden, kitchen, and farm-to-table experiences into classroom learning when appropriate.

• Collaborate with kitchen and farm staff to extend seasonal programming into curriculum projects.

• Support children’s participation in food preparation, gardening, and related hands-on learning experiences while ensuring health and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an early childhood classroom setting. Experience leading a classroom or readiness to step into a lead educator role.

• Knowledge of or interest in the Reggio Emilia approach, emergent curriculum, and inquiry-based learning.

• Strong classroom management, organizational, and communication skills.

• Commitment to reflective practice and professional growth.

Core Competencies and Expectations

• Demonstrates strong leadership within the classroom and fosters a collaborative team culture.

• Builds meaningful relationships with children and families.

• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

• Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively.

• Aligns daily practice with the mission, values, and philosophy of Urban Sprouts.

• Demonstrates curiosity, flexibility, and a deep respect for children as capable learners.

Urban Sprouts Child Development Center is looking for enthusiastic educators to join our support team that are as passionate as we are about developing the whole child. Self Motivated Team Players are needed! We are in need of part time floaters that can support with all age groups, give teachers time for lesson planning and coaching, breaks and closing classrooms.

Benefits & Perks for Part Time Staff

• Free Breakfast & Lunch, Snacks and Drinks

• Free Professional Development Courses

Requirements

· Must be 18 years of age or older - 16 & 17 year olds may apply, state licensing requirements are different and you would be considered a Junior Aide that would not be left alone in ratio with children.

· Must pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting

· The ability to meet state requirements for education and experience

About US

Urban Sprouts is a private non profit Reggio Emilia inspired early childhood center in the heart of University City. Our school is a joyful, encouraging, and diverse educational community that honors and empowers every aspect of children’s learning. Our goal is to support each child in her or his development as a socially capable, creative, and inspired citizen. We are NAEYC Accredited!