Summary

Are you a passionate and nurturing educator with a love for working with three-year-olds? St. Paul Community Preschool is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to create a vibrant and engaging learning environment in our Three's Classroom. If you're committed to fostering a child's love of learning in a Christ-centered environment, we encourage you to apply!

As the Lead Teacher in the Three's Classroom, you'll play a vital role in shaping young minds and creating a positive foundation for future academic success. Reporting to the Preschool Director, who in turn reports to the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) and the Preschool Board, you'll be part of a supportive and collaborative team. This part-time position offers a balanced schedule of three days per week during the school year, with summers off to recharge and refresh.

Duties

• Ignite Young Minds:Develop and implement creative, age-appropriate lesson plans that spark curiosity and foster a love of learning in three-year-old children.
• Cultivate a Nurturing Environment:Create a safe, supportive, and joyful classroom where every child feels valued, secure, and empowered to explore their potential.
• Become a Development Detective:Observe, monitor, and thoughtfully assess each child's unique development and behavior, providing valuable insights for progress monitoring and individualized support.
• Design a Dynamic Learning Space:Craft a developmentally appropriate classroom environment, thoughtfully organized with engaging learning centers that inspire exploration and discovery.
• Resourceful Classroom Management:Proactively manage classroom supplies and materials, ensuring a well-equipped and inspiring learning environment.
• Lead and Inspire:Provide guidance, support, and supervision to classroom assistants, fostering a collaborative and effective team.
• Prepared and Responsive:Respond calmly and effectively to any emergency or crisis situation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all children.
• Maintain Organized Records:Keep accurate and up-to-date records, supported by your classroom assistant(s), to track progress and ensure effective communication.
• Introduce Foundational Skills:Teach basic academic skills, such as math, language, and science, in a fun and engaging way that lays a strong foundation for future learning.
• Incorporate Movement and Play:Integrate physical education and movement activities into daily routines to promote healthy development and active learning.
• Foster Social-Emotional Growth:Nurture social and emotional development through positive interactions, guidance, and activities that build confidence and empathy.
• Individualized Support:Monitor and assess each child's progress, providing individualized support and encouragement to help them reach their full potential.
• Partner with Parents:Collaborate with parents to build strong relationships, ensure open communication, and create a supportive partnership in their child's educational journey.
• Maintain a Welcoming Space:Keep the classroom clean, organized, and inviting, creating a positive and stimulating learning environment.
• Commit to Best Practices:Actively participate in maintaining and adhering to department and state policies, procedures, and programs, ensuring quality assurance, safety, security, and infection control.
• Continuous Growth:Participate in staff development training programs to enhance your skills and stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
• Collaborate with Church Staff:Attend meetings of the Church staff and Preschool Board as requested, contributing to the overall mission and vision of St. Paul CUMC.
• Extend a Warm Invitation:Support the evangelism strategy of the church by enthusiastically inviting families to attend worship and participate in the vibrant ministry of St. Paul CUMC.
• Be a Parent Liaison:Serve as a primary point of contact for parents, addressing their questions and concerns with warmth and understanding.
• Create a Welcoming Atmosphere:Regularly greet and interact with parents and children during drop-off and pick-up, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Embrace Opportunities to Contribute:Perform other goals and duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute to the overall success of the preschool.

Requirements

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual who possesses the following qualifications:

• Experience:Proven experience in childcare or a preschool environment, demonstrating a commitment to early childhood education. Experience working specifically with three-year-olds is highly desirable.
• Certification:Willingness to complete the necessary annual training courses to meet State of Ohio regulations for preschool teacher certification.
• Knowledge and Skills:Solid understanding of child development, developmentally appropriate curriculum, lesson plan development, classroom implementation, behavior management, and observation/assessment techniques.
• Communication and Organization:Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Personal Attributes:Patience, creativity, and a genuine passion for working with young children and fostering their growth.
• Data Privacy:Ability to understand and adhere to data privacy rules and regulations related to student information, ensuring confidentiality and responsible data handling.
• Inclusive Environment:Ability to create a positive, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment where every child feels valued and respected.
• Developmental Support:Ability to assess children's development and provide individualized support and follow-up as needed, ensuring each child reaches their full potential.
• Relationship Building:Ability to establish and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with parents, children, preschool staff, and church staff, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Leadership Skills:Ability and skills to provide guidance and direction to classroom assistants, substitutes, and volunteers, creating a cohesive and effective team.
• Technical Proficiency:Ability to perform routine computer functions, including email, Google apps, internet navigation, and Microsoft Office, enabling efficient communication and record-keeping.
• Safety Certifications:Current CPR and standard first aid certification (or willingness to obtain), demonstrating a commitment to the safety and well-being of the children.
• Child Welfare Knowledge:Understanding of child welfare policies and procedures, ensuring the safety and protection of all children in our care.

Nice To Haves

We are looking for someone who embodies the following character traits:

• Integrity and Dedication:Strong character, a solid work ethic, and a commitment to excellence in all that you do.
• Relational Skills:A highly relational nature with a genuine desire to connect with and support children, families, and colleagues.
• Team Player:A teachable spirit, a collaborative mindset, and a willingness to work as part of a team to achieve common goals.
• Resilience:Perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges, with a positive attitude and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Embraces Diversity:A welcoming and inclusive attitude, embracing diversity and creating a sense of belonging for all.
• Love for Children and Faith:A deep love for working with preschoolers and a genuine enjoyment of being in a Christian environment.

Benefits

Benefits of Joining St. Paul Preschool:

• Meaningful Impact:Make a real difference in the lives of young children, fostering their growth and development in a nurturing and Christ-centered environment.
• Balanced Schedule:Enjoy a part-time schedule (three days/week during the school year) that allows for work-life balance, with summers off to recharge and pursue personal interests.
• Supportive Community:Be part of a welcoming and collaborative team, with clear communication and support from the Preschool Director and Preschool Board.
• Professional Growth:Opportunities for professional development and training to enhance your skills and stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
• Faith-Based Environment:Work in a positive and faith-based setting that aligns with your values and provides a sense of purpose.
• Community Connection:Build strong relationships with children, parents, and church staff, fostering a sense of belonging and making a positive impact on the community.