Preschool Teacher at Westwood Community Church in Chanhassen, MN

Description

Classification: Part-Time, <20 hrs/wk, Non-Exempt

Ministry Area: Westwood Preschool

Location: Chanhassen

Reports to: Preschool Director

Westwood’s Way of Life:

Be and love like Jesus

Westwood’s Purpose and Mission: 

To know God and share Jesus through loving others here, near, and far

Ministry Area Purpose: 

The Westwood Preschool exists to provide opportunities for children to learn and grow socially, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically in God’s grace, spilled out to them through people and programs that will foster and nurture God’s love for them.

Role:

Plan, prepare, and impart the Preschool program, reflecting and satisfying curriculum objectives established in the Westwood Preschool Operations Manual in conjunction with NAEYC accreditation standards and DHS licensing requirements. Provide general oversight and direction to Assistant Teacher.

Responsibilities:

· Plan and implement the scope and sequence of instruction in order to impart a developmentally appropriate curriculum for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds

· Develop lesson plans and instructional materials as part of a planned learning experiences to motivate preschool children through activities that nurture the spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs of preschool-aged children

· Establish and maintain standards of child behavior appropriate to preschool children to achieve a functional and healthy learning environment

· Assist children with self-help skill development including coats, bags, toileting, etc. 

· Assist children and parents in car line during arrival and departure

· Evaluate the emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development of each child, document and retain records of these evaluations, and maintain open and continuous communication with parents concerning the growth and development of each child through parent conferences and other conferencing venues as appropriate

· Create a safe, functional, and attractive environment for learning, including displays, bulletin boards, learning centers, instructional equipment, etc.

· Provide weekly communication to parents via newsletter including past events and upcoming plans. Utilize website, phone, and email as appropriate.

· Provide opportunities for parents to participate in the implementation and evaluation of the Preschool program. Encourage participation in classroom and special events.

· Maintain professional competence through participation in educational staff development and in-service activities. Meet and exceed DHS and NAEYC accreditation standards.

· Assist in the selection of instructional materials, supplies, and equipment, keeping organized in classroom and storage areas

· Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings and occasional evening events including Preschool programs and Westwood staff events

· Supervise Assistant Teacher and provide professional role model (and parent volunteers, as assigned)

· Carry out other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

· Align to and live out the Westwood Staff Culture:

  o Head High

  o Heart Soft

  o Arms Linked

  o Feet Forward

Requirements

· Someone who lives a life that honors God in heart, actions, and relationships, with the goal of becoming more like Jesus

· Baccalaureate degree in elementary education or early childhood education preferred. BS in related field with 36 credits related to early childhood required.

· 2+ years teaching experience in early childhood preferred

· Proficient with Microsoft Office tools

· Ability to relate to and communicate effectively with children, parents, fellow staff, and church community.

· Knowledge of and the capacity to provide engaging preschool activities and experiences for children in which they will grow spiritually, emotionally, socially, intellectually, and physically

· Physically able to assist children for safety and supervision indoors and outside throughout the preschool day. Including but not limited to; ability move quickly, navigate stairs, lift, bend, stoop, climb, kneel, and reach as needed. Able to assist children into and out of cars in all weather conditions. 

· Ability to handle confidential information professionally.

· Ability to relate to other Westwood staff and church attenders at large.

· Endorse and support Westwood’s Statement of Faith

· Remain a member in good standing of Westwood Community Church