What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Ages 3-5) position at Berkeley Charter Education Association?
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Ages 3-5)
Location: Mevers School of Excellence
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Principal
Position Overview:
The Pre-Kindergarten Teacher is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate, high-quality instruction to students ages 3–5. This role focuses on fostering early childhood development through play-based and structured learning experiences that support social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development in alignment with South Carolina Early Learning Standards and applicable regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
Reports To: Principal
Position Overview:
The Pre-Kindergarten Teacher is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate, high-quality instruction to students ages 3–5. This role focuses on fostering early childhood development through play-based and structured learning experiences that support social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development in alignment with South Carolina Early Learning Standards and applicable regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with South Carolina Early Learning Standards.
- Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes learning through play and exploration.
- Support the development of foundational skills including early literacy, numeracy, motor skills, and social-emotional growth.
- Supervise students at all times to ensure health, safety, and well-being in accordance with South Carolina regulations and school policies.
- Assist students with daily living activities, including toileting, handwashing, feeding, and rest time routines as appropriate.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records, including developmental progress and required documentation.
- Assess student development using appropriate early childhood assessment tools and provide feedback to families.
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, behavior, and daily activities.
- Collaborate with instructional assistants, support staff, and colleagues to ensure effective classroom operations and student support.
- Maintain compliance with all applicable health, safety, licensing, and supervision requirements.
- Participate in professional development opportunities related to early childhood education.
- Uphold school policies and procedures.
- Any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
- Valid South Carolina teaching certification in Early Childhood Education preferred (if applicable based on program requirements).
- Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Ability to implement play-based and structured learning experiences.
- Strong classroom management and supervision skills appropriate for young children.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively; sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and actively engage with young children at their level. The employee must frequently use hands to handle or feel objects, assist children, and support classroom activities. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, including assisting children or classroom materials. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
This position operates in a classroom environment that includes young children. The role routinely uses standard classroom and office equipment such as computers, phones, educational materials, and cleaning/sanitizing supplies. Noise levels may be higher than a traditional classroom due to active learning and play-based activities. The position requires maintaining a safe and sanitary environment in accordance with health and safety guidelines. Occasional local travel for school-related functions may be required.
FLSA Classification
This position is classified as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is in accordance with applicable federal and South Carolina labor laws.
Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may change with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Berkeley Charter Education Association and applicable policies. This description does not constitute a contract of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Berkeley Charter Education Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace environment and comply fully with the South Carolina Department of Education’s nondiscrimination policies.
Benefits
Berkeley Charter Education Association (BCEA) offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week.
Benefits include:
- Employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents
- Life Insurance and Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Voluntary benefits including Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage
- 401(k) retirement savings plan through Capital Group, with BCEA providing a 100% employer match on employee contributions up to 4% of eligible compensation
- Access to Ask Bennie, a benefits concierge service that assists employees with benefits questions, provider searches, and claims support
Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan terms and may be modified in accordance with applicable policies.