Preschool Teacher

Preschool Teacher

1st Church Preschool Cheshire

First Congregational Church Day Care and Nursery School)

Preschool Teacher Full Time

Start Date : August 26, 2024

Program Hours : Monday-Friday 7 : 30 a.m. to 5 : 30 p.m.

Full Time : *35-38 hours per week

9-Week Summer Program : *20-32 hours per week

Work schedule can be flexible as to days and hours but must be consistent weekly. Hours may change as they are based on enrollment.

Preschool is closed August 11-21, 2025.

1st Church Preschool is an NAEYC accredited morning and full day preschool program located in Cheshire. Our program in not religious affiliated and our play based philosophy promotes learning through hands-on experiences.

We provide education and child care for children ages 2.9 months through 6 years old. Our preschool is a school-year program with a 9-week summer program.

Description :

1st Church Preschool is hiring a full-time preschool teacher to support in the operation of our preschool classroom. Teachers will also be required to staff April school vacation week and summer program as needed.

Teacher Minimum Qualifications :

Associates Degree in ECE or a Baccalaureate ECE or a related field with experience in an early child care setting or CDA credential with experience in an early child care setting

Knowledge :

• Child development and early education theories and practices
• Safe and appropriate activities for children

The following is preferred, but not required :

• CT Head Teacher Certification
• Knowledge of CT OEC State Licensing Regulations
• Knowledge of NAEYC Standards and Accreditation
• Knowledge of CT-ELDS and CT-DOTS

Attributes :

• Passionate about working with young children
• Create a learning environment that is safe, engaging and appropriate to the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of preschool children
• Communicate effectively and maintain positive relationships with children, families and staff
• Work closely and effectively in a team setting
• Patience and acceptance of the developmental level of all children
• Energetic and enthusiastic to engage in all daily activities with children
• Flexibility to the meet needs of the children and adjust to changes in the learning environment
• Ability to make good judgments and decisions
• Physical stamina to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform other tasks related to the preschool environment

Responsibilities :

• Supporting children’s health and safety at all times during school according to state licensing requirements and NAEYC standards.
• Awareness and acceptance of the intellectual, physical, emotional, and social needs of each child as an individual.
• Providing positive guidance and discipline to encourage appropriate behavior per school policy.
• Reporting all accidents and emergencies to the Head Teacher and recording them.
• Maintaining a high level of confidentiality concerning children and families.
• Developing and maintaining an open, friendly and cooperative relationship with each child’s family and encourage their involvement in the program.
• Working cooperatively and effectively as a team member by communicating and contributing information on a continuous basis.
• Overseeing and supporting the transitions of the day, including bathroom time, indoor / outdoor transitions, helping children change clothes, etc.
• Assisting Head Teacher in developing and writing weekly age appropriate curriculum plans to meet program objectives.
• Involvement in daily preparation and implementation of program activities
• Assisting Head Teacher in making and recording daily observations to write individual goals and evaluations of children.
• Assisting with housekeeping tasks such as clean-up and straightening of classroom and other common supply areas, cleaning tables, snack set-up, snack dishes, outdoor storage areas, etc.
• Supervision of afternoon staff and volunteers.
• Assisting to update and maintain NAEYC Classroom Portfolio.
• Assume leadership in the absence of the Head Teacher.
• Attendance at workshops and trainings sessions as required to maintain professional status.
• Providing coverage in other classrooms as indicated by schedule or when short staffed.
• Attendance at regularly scheduled staff meetings, mandatory teacher work days, Parent Night, end-of-the-year event and assistance with parent / teacher conferences as needed.
• Reliable and consistent attendance including arriving on time, not leaving early, and utilizing personal and sick time effectively.
• Staffing the program’s 9-week summer program and April school vacation week as needed.

Compensation :

• Based on qualifications and experience. Hourly range : $18.00-$22.00
• Medical, Dental, Vision, AFLAC, Paid-Time Off, Paid Holidays, 1 Week Paid Vacation in December, Retirement Benefit Simple IRA with 3% match, Cost of Living Increase and End-of-Year Bonus as supported by Annual Budget, and Longevity Bonuses

Candidate is required to complete a background check before employment.