Job description
A Pre-K Teacher guides young children through their first introduction to a formal learning environment. This position focuses on the cognitive, social, and emotional development of students, creating a supportive and stimulating classroom that encourages curiosity and growth. The teacher establishes a foundational understanding of academics and interpersonal skills, preparing children for the next stages of their education.
By using age-appropriate curriculam and play-based learning, the Pre-K Teacher introduces concepts of literacy, math, and science. A central part of the role involves modeling positive behaviors and helping children learn to cooperate, communicate, and interact effectively with their peers. These interactions are fundamental to building a child’s confidence and independence in a daycare setting, preparing children for a smooth transition into kindergarten. Regular communication with parents and caregivers ensures a supportive network for each child’s development. This position is key in shaping a child’s early educational experiences and fostering a positive outlook on learning.
- Design and implement a dynamic curriculum using creative, hands-on methods such as art, storytelling, and free play to teach core concepts.
- Systematically observe, assess, and document each child’s developmental progress and learning achievements to tailor instruction.
- Establish and manage daily classroom routines, including learning centers, snack times, and outdoor activities, to provide a structured schedule.
- Facilitate and guide peer interactions to help children develop social skills, learn to resolve conflicts, and engage in cooperative play.
- Organize and maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized classroom environment that is conducive to learning and exploration.
- Adapt teaching strategies and materials to accommodate the diverse learning styles and individual needs of each child in the classroom.
- Conduct regular conferences and maintain ongoing communication with parents and caregivers to discuss student progress and developmental milestones.
- Supervise children during activities outside of direct instruction, including lunch, playground time, and potential field trips, to ensure their safety.
- Experience/Education
- At least 18 years of age (25 if van driving responsibility)
- Holds a high school diploma or equivalent
- Experience in specified age group and similar center
- Knowledge and understanding of all current State and Local regulations (i.e. Minimum Standards)
- II. Physical Demands
- Will frequently lift as in lifting, carrying, walking with, and holding infants and children.
- Required to stand up to 90% of the day.
- Must be able to stoop, bend and sit on a child’s level.
- Able to physically and mentally interact and react to children on the playground and/or in the classroom, and attend to their needs.
III. Classroom Environment:
- Provide a positive and nurturing environment for the children.
- Responsible for health and safety of the children – not excessive accidents
- Consistently keep clean and maintain the Childrens areas (including bathrooms)
- Maintains and effective room arrangement- permanent, no running spaces, shelves used as dividers, Material at child level (approved by Management)
- Maintain Learning wall, Parent board and Teacher board
- Children's art (and Curriculum worksheets) displayed
- Equipment out and children taught to use it properly & Follows class schedule
- Provides consistent and constant supervision of all children. Children never left alone. Know how many children that you are responsible for at all times and who they are. Shelves have toys and manipulatives attractively displayed and labeled
- Classroom materials enriched with teacher made items.
IV. Planning
- Lesson plans completed on time, consistently, posted, supply list turned in
- Lesson plans reflect current curriculum and Character Value
- Consistent planning and effective use of transitions including hallway transitions
- Circle time, story time and music planned and carried through
- An organized and structured daily schedule is implemented daily.
V. Teaching Skills
- Enjoys children and expresses genuine interest in them
- Speaks with calm, gentle voice
- Listens carefully and respectfully
- Teaches children to problem solve
- Utilizes teachable moments
- Uses positive statements, is positive role-model
- Interacts consistently with children
- Must be able to maintain orderly, calm environment
- Supports cultural differences
- Ability to move from one activity to another without chaos
- Maintains positive parent interaction
- Teacher encourages positive behavior, often getting down to child’s level)
- Teaches and allows children to make choices
- Uses Redirection
VI. General Areas
- Completed and submits all records as required, including time sheets, attendance sheets, incident reports and any other required materials.
- Supports all Childrens Lighthouse policies and procedures as states in manuals, handbooks, and official memos.
- Has energy level to do the job
- Good role model including attendance, dress code, attitude
- Does not participate in gossip
- Open to change - Flexible and able to adapt
- Team member providing support to other staff
- Participates in extra-curricular activities/family events of center
- Consistently attends teacher training hours as required by state
- Attends mandatory staff meetings
- Evidence of interest in self-development and professional growth
- Evidence of emotional maturity and stability
- Evidence of sufficient security and judgment to handle crisis situations and to use supervision constructively.
- Able and willing to accept direction, feedback and evaluation.
- Completes additional miscellaneous duties as assigned.
- Maintains and inventory Curriculum materials (teacher enrichments, learning games, flash cards, language development cards, teacher’s manual, etc)
- Train the Assistant teacher to multi-task and how to teach the curriculum'
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $11.00 - $13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
