Preschool Teacher

Summary and Purpose:

The HIS Kids’ Preschool is a valued ministry of First Methodist Church of DeFuniak Springs. As such, the Preschool Teacher is essential both to the operation of the Preschool and the overall ministry of the Church. The HIS Kids’ Preschool Teacher is responsible for the oversite, safety, guidance, and age level appropriate education of the children in their care. They serve the students and families as a Christian role-model as they plan and implement a program to teach young children and ensure their development and safety per all laws and State regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Children Supervision – Oversees the safety and wellbeing of multiple children; Remains focused and diligent to interact with all students with care, compassion, and respect; Communicates by choosing words carefully; Uses voice and body language as a positive direct way through encouragement and praise; Allows them to have choices and special jobs; Ensures children are never left unattended

• Class Size – Ensures daily class size, child to teacher ratio, meets regulations; Confirms sign in/out sheet matches head count performed specific times throughout the day including anytime the class leaves the classroom and upon returning

• Lesson Planning - Creates and implements lesson plans and daily schedules under the supervision of the Preschool Director; Plans must be well-balanced and varied all-day programs for the children; Posts weekly classroom planners inside the classroom visible for the Preschool Director, the State and the parents to view at any time; Plans curriculum, crafts, activities, and games a minimum of a week in advance

• Safety – Maintains a safe classroom environment; Ensures all outlets are covered and area is free of hazards; Ensures all personal items are out of reach for students

• Student Assessment – Assesses the learning of students on a regular basis; Keeps the Preschool Director and parents adequately informed of progress or deficiencies

• Parental Communication – Remains welcoming, open, and professional when communicating with parents; Stays positive and allows open communication to encourage any questions or concerns they may have; Sends take home folders home daily

• Integrity – Maintains good moral character and integrity; Remains approachable to everyone in order to facilitate and encourage successful problem solving as a team for the betterment of the child

• Housekeeping – Maintains a clean classroom environment for the health and safety of students, families and co-workers; Follows all Preschool Standard Operating Procedures to maintain a clean and safe environment

• Professionalism – Dresses appropriately to represent the Preschool and the Church well

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Personal Ethics

· Must be of good moral and Christian character

· Must have a demonstrative life of Christian faith and practice, and hold a commitment to Christian theology that is compatible with the doctrine, values, and traditions of the Methodist Church

· Must have a lifestyle and workplace performance that reflect the Global Methodist Church’s Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline or its replacement

Safety and Security

• Must pass a background check*

• Must have a valid driver’s license

• Must complete fire extinguisher training within 30 days of hire date

• Must become first aid and CPR certified within 30 days of hire date

• Must complete an initial in-house Vulnerable Individuals’ Protection Plan (VIP Plan) training or equivalent program sanctioned by the Global Methodist Church within 14 days of hire date; annual training thereafter

• Must complete an initial in-house Safety Plan training within 14 days of hire date; annual training thereafter

Education

• Must have a GED or High School Diploma

• Must have an Associates Degree or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from an nationally accredited institution

• Must have successfully passed all required VPK training courses and certification tests if assigned to a VPK classroom

• Must complete the 40-hour childcare course and pass all six exams within one year of hire date

• Must complete the early literacy training within 90 days of hire date

• Must complete ten hours of annual continuing education

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

· Ability to work effectively in an environment with frequent interruptions and distractions.

· Ability to withstand the heat, sun exposure, and other weather elements while supervising children on the playground.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Faith-based preschool or children’s ministries: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Child Development Associate credential or Associates degree (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $16