Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

What You'll Do

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Partner with Church Staff, Lay Leadership, and Membership to contribute to the mission of “Making Disciples” through the ministry of Little Palms Preschool, and youth and family ministry activities.
2. Serves as the Preschool Lead Teacher in educating children in ways that meet academic & developmental milestones, AZ State Standards, and create a foundational love for learning in all students.

• Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills. Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
• Attend to children's basic needs by assisting in toilet training, assisting in potty accidents or changing diapers as needed.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to children.
• Arrange indoor and outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, and safety.
• Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their ages and perceptual skills.

1. The Preschool Lead Teacher is under the supervision of the Preschool Director, assuming duties as needed in the successful operation of the classroom and the execution of lesson plans. Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of preschool programs. Work together with teaching team for optimal student success and program delivery.
2. The teacher shall always be supervising children under their care: never leave the classroom unattended, always have eyes on all children and know what they are participating in, keeping count of the class.
3. Attend workshops, seminars, and professional training courses to maintain log of 24 hours of AZ Department of Health Services mandated hours; maintains record on the AZ Workforce Registry website; Attends Lutheran Educators Conference with school staff every November.
4. Follow Matthew 18 in conflict resolution with all team members. If there’s a conflict, talk to the person with clear and honest communication. Then talk with the Director and Pastor for further conflict resolution. Speak well of one another. Always vent up. Always speak well to others.
5. Maintains a Christian professional relationship with colleagues, parents, and students.
6. Attends and participates in weekly staff meetings, monthly Board of Education meetings, and any other meetings or activities as instructed by the Senior Pastor or Preschool Director.
7. Reports any accidents or incidents that cause physical or emotional injury to a child to the Director’s office as soon as possible; all reports are also documented in ProCare.

Requirements

1. The teacher shall meet all required Arizona Licensing requirements:
2. Fingerprint, Criminal History & Central Registry Clearance
3. Age: 18 years old or older
4. Education & Experience (one of the following):

                                         i.   High School diploma, GED & 6 months experience in Early Childhood Education

                                        ii.   12 ECE credits & 6 months experience

                                       iii.   NAC/CDA/CCP/CPC certifications

                                      iv.   Associate degree in ECE/Closely related field (CDA preferred)

                                       v.   Bachelor’s Degree in ECE/Closely related field

1. The teacher models the Christian faith, dresses appropriately, and is an effective communicator and team player
2. The teacher is effective at teaching young children, values play and critical learning skills, and has a desire to help children reach appropriate developmental milestones as described in the Ages & Stages section of the Little Palms Parent Handbook, developed by the LCMS Pacific Southwest District School Ministries.

Benefits