Preschool Lead Teacher

DescriptionPosition Purpose

A preschool teacher must have a great love and patience for children. Qualifications needed to teach them effectively include knowledge of best practices and early childhood education methods as well as the ability to engage them and earn their trust and attention. Ability to create and implement age-appropriate curriculum that will encourage kindergarten readiness. Must be able to create a healthy and safe learning environment that assists children with improving self-confidence and social skills.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Policies and Procedures

Understand and support the core values, mission, philosophy, and guiding principles of Immanuel Lutheran Communities and Growing Roots Early Learning Center
Provide consistent quality and valued service, while complying with Corporate and Department policies and procedures as well as Montana State Licensing Regulations.
1Respect the privacy, confidentiality, and possessions of those GRELC serves, its staff, and Immanuel Lutheran Communities.
Contribute to an atmosphere of positivity, teamwork, and mutual support, while leading by example.
Look for the good in others and assume positive intentions. Be caring, compassionate, and hospitable, while acting with integrity and honesty.
Ensure that a safe living environment exists.

Position Duties

Manage all aspects of the preschool classroom
Plan and implement weekly curriculum and update weekly posting on classroom door for parents to view
Create lesson plans that are based on results of on-going daily observations and assessments of individual children’s abilities and interest
Inspect classroom and outdoor environment daily for safety and sanitation and take necessary steps to make the corrections where necessary
Complete and turn in daily checklist of responsibilities for the room
Supervise and care for children
Supervise work of the teacher aides
Training of new staff as instructed by director or master teacher
Carry out all policies and procedures of Growing Roots Early Learning Center
Plan and implement activities and environments
Actively support for inclusion of children of all abilities
Develop children’s dispositions for life- long learning
Engage children in active, meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Create family involvement opportunities
Communicate with parents/guardians on a daily basis while also using classroom support sheet to help other staff members communicate about children’s daily activities
Conduct at least one parent/teacher conference per year
Help plan and attend family events and school fundraising gatherings as requested each year
Create monthly newsletters but also using email and face to face conversations to inform families of current and future events and to encourage parent involvement
Help families find resources to enhance their life situation

Other Duties & Responsibilities

Model Professionalism:

Participate in training and course work to remain current with the trends in ECE and to meet requirements for licensing.

With the support from the director, develop and complete a yearly professional development plan.

Maintain an active status on the MT Early Childhood Practitioner Registry.

Work as a supportive team member with center staff to accomplish center goals.

Incorporate the NAEYC Code of Ethics in all work relate activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent understanding of the principles of child development and preschool educational methods
Ability to communicate with young children at their level.
Patient, compassionate attitude, with a friendly, energetic disposition.
Good mediation and nurturing abilities.
Creative mindset with an ability to create memorable, out-of-the-box lessons.
Passion for shaping and inspiring young minds.
Ability to serve as a positive role model.
Familiarity with safety and sanitation guidelines for both indoor and outdoor environments
Excellent communication and instructional skills
Cool-tempered, friendly, and reliable
Ability to accept constructive criticism and make adjustment as needed

Essential Physical, mental, and Emotional Requirements

Ability to lift and carry infants, young toddlers, toy tubs and laundry bags on a regular basis, which requires mobility and physical demands
Knowledge of NAEYC Accreditation Standards and Code of Ethics
Knowledge of STARS policies, practices and procedures including meal preparation and service
Ability to bend, kneel, crawl, sit in low chairs and on the floor for extended periods of time, which requires mobility and physical demands
Ability to clean indoors and maintain outdoors by raking and sweeping, which requires mobility and physical demands
Meet licensing requirements for immunizations (being immunized against MMR and a tDap/TB booster in the past 10 years) as well as recent TB clearance.
First Aid / CPR Certified in Pediatric and Adult, or ability to become certified immediately upon hire.
Subject to a minimum of 16 hours of Early Childhood training annually.

Education and Experience

Associates degree or equivalent in Child Development or related field
2 years lead teacher experience within the past 5 years teaching young children in a licensed childcare center or equivalent experience and/or setting as deemed appropriate by center director or 3+ years' work experience within the past 5 years in a licensed childcare center or equivalent setting as deemed appropriate by center director

QualificationsWhat We Offer
Immanuel Living provides a competitive benefits package* that goes above and beyond. Eligible employees may receive:

Retirement savings program with strong employer match

Generous paid time off (vacation, sick, personal days, holidays)

Affordable medical benefits

Optional dental insurance

Employee wellness programs

Employee educational assistance promoting lifelong learning

Free and discounted employee meals

Benefits are subject to change without notice and may vary based on employment status.