Preschool Teacher

Purpose: To provide a warm, nurturing, safe and loving environment where self concepts are enhanced, independence encouraged and individuality respected. To set up a developmentally appropriate learning environment where children use all their senses and learn to respect others. 



Key Responsibilities: 

1. To offer a program that meets the emotional, physical, intellectual and social needs of both the individual and the group. 

2. To interact with the children and to encourage their involvement in activities. 

3. To prepare a warm and safe environment that is orderly, clean and appealing and permits the child to grow and explore. 

4. To establish and maintain good communications with parents through parent conferences and on a daily informal basis. 

5. To work with other teachers on lesson plans and plans for individual children to ensure consistency. 

6. To observe, record and report significant individual and group behavior. 

7. To use appropriate and positive discipline and help children learn the strategies they need to solve their own problems. 

8. To maintain all children's academic records and portfolios. 

9. To attend weekly staff meetings. 

10. To prepare materials needed in the program; to set up appropriate activities on a daily basis. 

11. To oversee the direction of breakfast and snack according to the regulations of the Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program. 

12. Other duties as assigned. 



Reporting Relationships: 

Reports to the Program Director on program matters and in regard to children and/or parents. 

Reports to the Administrator on matters pertaining to building, equipment, or records. 



Limits of Authority: 

• May take action without informing - change a scheduled daily activity; discipline child; discuss child's activity with parent; call parents about a sick child. 

• May take action but must inform - change room arrangement; 

• Must have prior commitment to - order new equipment; take time off; refer parent to outside resources; change shift hours. 



Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or a child-related field; or Associate’s degree or higher in early childhood education or child development; or Valid child development associate credential with 480 hours of experience, or High school diploma/GED with 12 semester hours and 960 hours of experience. 

• Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children. 

• Evidence of emotional maturity and stability. 

• Physical stamina and agility: able to lift 25 lb.; able to sit/kneel on floor; able to see, hear location of children; able to walk up and down stairs. 

• Evidence of sufficient security and judgment to handle crises. 

• Ability to recognize and to record significant individual and group behavior. 

• Ability to supervise aides and other personnel. 



Time commitment: 

30 to 40 hours per week. 



To apply, please email dcboardkzoo@gmail.com and director@discoverycenterkids.org and put 'Preschool Teacher Application' in the subject line.