Associate Preschool Teacher

Job Summary
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Preschool Teacher to join our early childhood education team. The ideal candidate will create a nurturing, engaging, and safe environment for young children, fostering their social, emotional, and cognitive development. This role requires a strong understanding of childhood development and classroom management, along with a genuine passion for working with preschoolers. The Preschool Teacher will collaborate with parents and staff to support each child's individual needs and ensure a positive learning experience.

Qualifications:

(l) An associate teacher in a center-based program shall be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, including but not limited to General Equivalency Diploma (GED), a High School Equivalency Test (HiSet), or a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), and have one of the following options:

(1) Written documentation from or on file with the department that the individual working as an associate teacher qualified for and was employed in the position of an associate teacher on or before November 6, 2017, with no break in service as an associate teacher since receipt of the approval;

(2) A minimum of 9 credits in related coursework, awarded by an accredited college or university, including at least one 3 credit course in child or human growth and development;

(3) Certification as para II educator by the department of education and 1000 hours of experience in a public or private school, including experience with children up to age 8;

(4) A minimum of 1000 hours of supervised child care experience in a licensed child care program, and knowledge of child growth and development obtained through one of the following:

• a. Completion of a high school level 2-year career and technical education course in teacher education;
• b. A 3-credit course in child or human growth and development, awarded by an accredited college or university; or
• c. Thirty hours of training in child growth and development, granted by an accredited college or university, an authorized provider of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training or obtained through documented life experience, including experience with the same age children the associate teacher supervises, such as a family child care provider, service as a foster parent, work as a school teacher, work as a camp counselor and experience as a group leader for children in sports or other activities, such as scouts or little league, or closely related experience; or

(5) At least one 3 credit course in child or human growth and development plus 3 years as a licensed family child care provider or as the child care manager of a small child care center.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans that promote early childhood development and learning through play.
• Supervise and interact with children during daily activities, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Facilitate activities that support social skills, language development, motor skills, and emotional regulation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment conducive to learning and exploration.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding their child's progress, behavior, and any concerns.
• Follow all safety protocols, including first aid procedures when necessary.
• Assist with daily routines such as diapering, feeding, nap times, and transitions between activities.
• Collaborate with team members to manage classroom behavior and implement behavior management strategies.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

Experience:

• Prior experience working with children in daycare, preschool, or similar settings; classroom experience is preferred.
• Certification in first aid and CPR is highly desirable; willingness to obtain certification if not already certified.
• Strong communication skills to effectively engage with children, parents, and team members.
• Ability to manage classroom behavior using positive guidance techniques.
• Compassionate caregiving attitude with patience and adaptability.
• A genuine passion for nurturing young children's growth in a safe and supportive environment. This position offers an enriching opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young children's lives while fostering your professional growth in early childhood education.

Salary dependent upon on education and past experience.

As a team member at A Kid's Life Early Learning Center you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive Wages
• Paid Holidays
• PTO
• Medical Benefits
• Dental