Preschool Program Coordinator and Teacher

Job Title: Preschool Director and Teacher

Location: St. Mary Preschool, Fairfield, IA

Position Type: Part-time, 25 Hours weekly

Qualifications:

• Must have an associate’s degree in child development or bachelor’s degree in a child-related field.
• A passion for working with children and contributing to their educational and spiritual growth. With a strong understanding of early childhood development principles and best practices.
• 2 years prior experience in a child care center or preschool setting preferred
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to pass a background check and fingerprinting
• Must have a current physical
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Be prompt and dependable in attendance

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• 9 month school year, closely follows district schedule
• 10 month teacher contract

Job Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Preschool Director/ Teacher to join our educational team. The ideal candidate will foster a nurturing, faith-based environment for young children, promoting their social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth. As a Preschool Teacher, you will integrate religious values into daily lessons and activities while creating an atmosphere of love, respect, and academic curiosity. This position reports directly to the Preschool Board.

Responsibilities: Center Operational Duties

• Maintain the Center in accordance with policies, procedures and licensing standards.
• Maintain and update, as necessary, all Center records.
• Maintain and update, as necessary, all personnel and operating policies and procedures.
• Meet and coordinate with representatives of the St. Mary Catholic Church prior to events hosted on site.
• Coordinate and attend staff meetings monthly with St. Mary Priest and parish staff.
• Develop and maintain an annual budget in conjunction with the St. Mary Preschool Board of Directors.
• Manage tuition payments to the preschool and ensure prompt payment in accordance with Center policies and procedures.
• Approve and order materials and supplies for classroom programs and activities.
• Represent the Center in the community and act as a liaison with other agencies.
• Establish and maintain a healthy, safe, and enjoyable working and learning environment for staff, parents, children, and visitors.
• Performs other duties as assigned from time to time by the preschool board.

Responsibilities: Staff

• Responsible for effectively managing and resolving issues with and between the staff, parents, and children.
• Responsible for addressing personnel matters and implementing solutions that are in the best interest of the preschool.
• Educate staff on important and relevant information, including but not limited to licensure requirements and policy changes, through regular staff meetings.
• Identify required training opportunities for all staff and make the appropriate modifications necessary to accommodate all training.
• Ensure staff comply with all Center policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality requirements and policies.
• Maintain current and accurate staff records (including all requirements for reporting to the State of Iowa)

Responsibilities: Children/Parents/Guardians

• Ensure all enrollment and discharge information is documented, complete and up-to-date.
• Ensure all records are complete, updated and accurate.
• Ensure that the Center meets all DHS licensing requirements. This includes, but is not limited to:

o Standards of health and safety (Sanitation)

o Learning environment and curriculum

o Nutrition and food preparation

o Physical safety and well-being of children and staff

o Emergency policies and regulations

• Establish and execute policies and procedures that ensure the well-being of children. This includes but is not limited to:

o Developmentally appropriate curriculum

o Positive behavior management plans

o Safe arrival and departure

• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians about the progress of their child, including regular updates and parent-teacher conferences.
• Initiate classroom activities and cooperate with child-initiated activities and explorations.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate, faith-centered lessons and activities that foster early childhood development in alignment with our religious values.
• Provide a safe, engaging, and structured classroom environment.
• Assess and document each child's progress in key developmental areas, including social, emotional, and cognitive.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers, staff, and administrators to ensure the smooth functioning of the preschool program.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom that reflects our religious values.
• Foster positive relationships with students and serve as a role model for faith, compassion, and integrity.
• Participate in school activities, religious celebrations, and professional development opportunities as required.
• Plan field trips, family events, and end of the year celebrations
• Maintain an environment that is tolerant and respectful of child and family cultures, values and differences.
• Establish relationships with individual children and families and be responsive to requests, comments and concerns.
• Write monthly newsletters, calendars, and use class dojo for daily correspondence
• Consistently post on the St. Mary Preschool Facebook page.
• Provide families with information and assistance with community resources.
• Report evidence of suspected abuse/neglect to the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Minimum Physical Qualifications:

This position is a moderately stressful job that requires good organizational and communication skills. Must be able to perform several tasks at one time. This job requires the individual to be able to read, write and communicate with staff and parents/guardians.

Position requires constant lifting, twisting, stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling and reaching. Must be able to routinely lift 20 pounds.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and references to ffsmpreschool@gmail.com

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $22