Transitional Kindergarten Teacher’s Job Description
Position: Transitional Kindergarten Classroom Teacher
Reports To: Director and Assistant Director
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JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Director and Assistant Director, the Lead Classroom Teacher is responsible for the supervision, management, and educational leadership of the classroom in accordance with the philosophy, goals, and curriculum of The Academy.
The Lead Classroom Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate educational experiences that promote school readiness and support the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each child. The Lead Classroom Teacher works cooperatively with the classroom teaching team to maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing environment, both physically and emotionally, while maintaining regular communication with administration, staff, and families to ensure consistency and continuity of care.
SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THE JOB:
- Assist in the preparation and implementation of daily and weekly lesson plans and educational activities in accordance with the curriculum and educational goals of The Academy.
- Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and significant developments in early childhood education and child development and incorporate appropriate practices into the classroom.
- Create and maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom schedule, environment, and atmosphere that promotes learning, engagement, health, and safety.
- Provide for the individual needs of each child through intentional interactions, planned activities, and appropriate modifications to the classroom environment and curriculum.
- Work cooperatively with classroom teaching team members to meet the individual physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs of each child.
- Provide consistent supervision of children during structured and unstructured activities and ensure that appropriate safety practices are maintained at all times.
- Ensure that the classroom is prepared before children arrive and that the classroom is maintained in a clean, organized, and safe condition throughout the day.
- Delegate classroom responsibilities to teaching team members, as appropriate, and provide clear direction and support regarding classroom routines, housekeeping, toileting, meal and snack preparation, lesson preparation, and other assigned responsibilities.
- Greet students and families warmly and professionally each day and develop positive, respectful relationships with children and their families.
- Maintain regular and professional communication with families regarding classroom activities, student progress, and other matters as appropriate.
- Observe and evaluate student progress on an ongoing basis and implement appropriate modifications to instruction, activities, and classroom practices as needed.
- Complete timely, accurate, and professional documentation, including attendance records, student observations, developmental assessments, and other required reports.
- Conduct parent/teacher conferences as scheduled by The Academy.
- Provide classroom leadership and guidance to Teacher Assistants and other classroom staff, as assigned.
- Attend all required staff meetings and trainings.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information related to children, families, and staff.
- Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in early childhood education and child development.
- Perform other duties as assigned by administration.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A Preschool CDA credential or an Associate Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education is preferred. Previous experience working with young children is required.
All staff must attend training classes designed to broaden professionalism, education, and skills in early childhood education and development, as required by Federal and State regulations and Administration.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The Transitional Kindergarten Classroom Lead Teacher must possess personal attributes needed to develop trusting relationships with children and adults. Such attributes include the following:
- Personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to living out and modeling the Christian faith in interactions with children, families, and coworkers
- Interactions expressive of genuine warmth, patience, and concern for children, along with an understanding of their developmental needs
- Respect for children’s ideas, feelings, abilities, and differences
- Insight into and tolerance for the range of age-appropriate behaviors
- Ability to maintain a safe, structured, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with children, families, coworkers, and administration
- Ability to provide leadership, direction, and support to classroom teaching team members
- Ability to organize, plan, and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and classroom activities
- Ability to observe and evaluate student progress and make appropriate modifications to instruction and classroom practices
- Ability to assume duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision
- Ability to move quickly and respond effectively in emergency situations
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to follow and enforce all policies, procedures, licensing regulations, and rules applicable to employees of The Academy
- Ability to adapt to changes in schedules, routines, and environment and to learn, implement, and maintain fidelity to the current curriculum and classroom practices
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Teaching: 2 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
