Preschool Lead Teacher

Job DetailsJob Location: Kalispell, MT 59901Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $19.00 - $28.50 HourlyJob Shift: DayPosition Purpose A preschool teacher must have a great love and patience for children. Qualifications needed to teach them effectively include knowledge of best practices and early childhood education methods as well as the ability to engage them and earn their trust and attention. Ability to create and implement age-appropriate curriculum that will encourage kindergarten readiness.  Must be able to create a healthy and safe learning environment that assists children with improving self-confidence and social skills. Specific Duties and Responsibilities Policies and Procedures Understand and support the core values, mission, philosophy, and guiding principles of Immanuel Lutheran Communities and Growing Roots Early Learning Center Provide consistent quality and valued service, while complying with Corporate and Department policies and procedures as well as Montana State Licensing Regulations.  1Respect the privacy, confidentiality, and possessions of those GRELC serves, its staff, and Immanuel Lutheran Communities.  Contribute to an atmosphere of positivity, teamwork, and mutual support, while leading by example. Look for the good in others and assume positive intentions.  Be caring, compassionate, and hospitable, while acting with integrity and honesty. Ensure that a safe living environment exists. Position Duties  Manage all aspects of the preschool classroom Plan and implement weekly curriculum and update weekly posting on classroom door for parents to view Create lesson plans that are based on results of on-going daily observations and assessments of individual children’s abilities and interest Inspect classroom and outdoor environment daily for safety and sanitation and take necessary steps to make the corrections where necessary Complete and turn in daily checklist of responsibilities for the room Supervise and care for children Supervise work of the teacher aides Training of new staff as instructed by director or master teacher Carry out all policies and procedures of Growing Roots Early Learning Center Plan and implement activities and environments Actively support for inclusion of children of all abilities Develop children’s dispositions for life- long learning Engage children in active, meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences Create family involvement opportunities Communicate with parents/guardians on a daily basis while also using classroom support sheet   to help other staff members communicate about children’s daily activities Conduct at least one parent/teacher conference per year Help plan and attend family events and school fundraising gatherings as requested each year Create monthly newsletters but also using email and face to face conversations to inform families of current and future events and to encourage parent involvement Help families find resources to enhance their life situation Other Duties & Responsibilities Model Professionalism: Participate in training and course work to remain current with the trends in ECE and to meet requirements for licensing. With the support from the director, develop and complete a yearly professional development plan. Maintain an active status on the MT Early Childhood Practitioner Registry.  Work as a supportive team member with center staff to accomplish center goals. Incorporate the NAEYC Code of Ethics in all work relate activities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Excellent understanding of the principles of child development and preschool educational methods Ability to communicate with young children at their level. Patient, compassionate attitude, with a friendly, energetic disposition. Good mediation and nurturing abilities. Creative mindset with an ability to create memorable, out-of-the-box lessons. Passion for shaping and inspiring young minds. Ability to serve as a positive role model.  Familiarity with safety and sanitation guidelines for both indoor and outdoor environments  Excellent communication and instructional skills  Cool-tempered, friendly, and reliable Ability to accept constructive criticism and make adjustment as needed Essential Physical, mental, and Emotional Requirements Ability to lift and carry infants, young toddlers, toy tubs and laundry bags on a regular basis, which requires mobility and physical demands Knowledge of NAEYC Accreditation Standards and Code of Ethics Knowledge of STARS policies, practices and procedures including meal preparation and service Ability to bend, kneel, crawl, sit in low chairs and on the floor for extended periods of time, which requires mobility and physical demands               Ability to clean indoors and maintain outdoors by raking and sweeping, which requires mobility and physical demands Meet licensing requirements for immunizations (being immunized against MMR and a tDap/TB booster in the past 10 years) as well as recent TB clearance. First Aid / CPR Certified in Pediatric and Adult, or ability to become certified immediately upon hire. Subject to a minimum of 16 hours of Early Childhood training annually. Education and Experience Associates degree or equivalent in Child Development or related field 2 years lead teacher experience within the past 5 years teaching young children in a licensed childcare center or equivalent experience and/or setting as deemed appropriate by center director or 3+ years' work experience within the past 5 years in a licensed childcare center or equivalent setting as deemed appropriate by center director QualificationsWhat We Offer Immanuel Living provides a competitive benefits package* that goes above and beyond. Eligible employees may receive: Retirement savings program with strong employer match Generous paid time off (vacation, sick, personal days, holidays) Affordable medical benefits Optional dental insurance Employee wellness programs Employee educational assistance promoting lifelong learning Free and discounted employee meals Benefits are subject to change without notice and may vary based on employment status.