Job Summary
Oak Hill United Methodist Church Preschool is seeking a passionate, nurturing, and dedicated Preschool Lead Teacher to inspire young learners and create a warm, engaging classroom environment. The Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences that support each child's cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
This position provides leadership within the classroom by fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment, guiding daily classroom operations, and collaborating with assistant teachers and families to support each child's development. The ideal candidate demonstrates a genuine love for working with young children, strong classroom management and communication skills, and a commitment to building meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
As a valued member of our Preschool team, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact during a child's most important developmental years while serving in a collaborative environment dedicated to excellence in early childhood education.
Responsibilities
- Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate, play-based lesson plans that support children's cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development while aligning with the Preschool curriculum and Texas Child Care Licensing requirements.
- Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment that encourages exploration, creativity, independence, and positive social interactions.
- Build meaningful relationships with each child and foster a classroom culture rooted in kindness and respect.
- Observe, assess, and document each child's developmental progress, adapting instruction and classroom experiences to meet individual learning needs.
- Collaborate daily with families by communicating children's accomplishments, developmental milestones, and any behavioral or developmental concerns. Participate in scheduled parent-teacher conferences and family events.
- Supervise and support all daily classroom routines, including arrival and dismissal, learning centers, outdoor play, meals/snacks, restroom and diapering routines (as applicable), rest time, and classroom transitions.
- Utilize positive behavior management strategies that promote self-regulation, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning.
- Work collaboratively with assistant teachers, Preschool staff, and church leadership to maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented environment.
- Maintain accurate attendance records, child assessments, lesson plans, and other documentation in accordance with Preschool policies and Texas Child Care Licensing requirements.
- Participate in a minimum of 24 hours of annual professional development focused on early childhood education, child development, health and safety, and child welfare.
- Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification and complete all required licensing and church training, including Safe Gatherings.
- Work Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. to 1:30p.m.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Preschool Ministries.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated passion for working with young children in a preschool setting.
- Previous experience working with preschool-aged children, including classroom management responsibilities.
- Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 1–5.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and church staff.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
- Must obtain Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification upon hire (if not currently certified).
- Must successfully complete all required background checks, including fingerprinting, FBI criminal history, Central Registry, and any additional screenings required by Texas Child Care Licensing and Oak Hill United Methodist Church.
- Must complete all required licensing and church training, including Safe Gatherings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a related field.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or coursework in Early Childhood Education.
- Previous experience as a Lead Teacher in a licensed preschool or early childhood education program.
- Experience collaborating with families to support children's learning and development.
Join us in shaping the future by providing young children with a joyful and enriching preschool experience! This role offers an opportunity to grow professionally while making a lasting difference in children’s lives through dedicated teaching and compassionate care.
Pay: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
