Benton School District Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Position Title: Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Location: Benton School District – Early Childhood Program

Job Type: Full-Time / 190-Day Contract

Reports To: Director of Early Childhood Programs

Position Summary:

The Benton School District is seeking a caring, qualified, and highly motivated Pre-Kindergarten Teacher to lead a Better Beginnings-accredited early childhood classroom. The successful candidate will foster a developmentally appropriate, safe, and engaging learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten success. This role requires instructional leadership, classroom management, collaboration with paraprofessionals, and strong family engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement daily lesson plans aligned with Arkansas Child Development and Early Learning Standards (CDELS) and Better Beginnings quality benchmarks.
• Establish a nurturing, inclusive classroom that supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Utilize play-based, hands-on instructional strategies that meet individual developmental needs.
• Conduct ongoing assessments using tools such as Work Sampling or TS GOLD to inform instruction and document child progress.
• Communicate regularly with families through newsletters, conferences, and parent involvement activities.
• Maintain accurate records, including attendance, lesson plans, child portfolios, assessments, and documentation for state and grant compliance.
• Provide supervision and direction to classroom paraprofessionals and volunteers.
• Ensure adherence to Arkansas DHS licensing requirements and Benton School District policies.
• Participate in required professional development and maintain certification through the Arkansas Professional Development Registry (PDR).

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Valid Arkansas Teaching License with P-4 or Birth-K certification
• Registered with the Arkansas Professional Development Registry (PDR)
• Ability to pass required background checks
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

Preferred:

• Experience in a Better Beginnings or state-funded Pre-K setting
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior supports
• Proficiency in assessment tools (e.g., Work Sampling, TS GOLD)
• Familiarity with eSchool, COPA, or other child data systems

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift to 40 lbs.
• Capable of sitting on the floor, kneeling, and engaging in active play
• Stamina to work in a fast-paced, child-centered environment

Salary:

Based on the Benton School District Certified Salary Schedule, commensurate with education and experience. Includes benefits and paid professional development.

For questions, contact the Director of Early Childhood Programs at 501-776-5710