Preschool Lead/CO Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description for Lead Preschool Teacher (LPT)/Kindergarten Teacher

The ideal candidate will be professionally trained in Early Childhood Education and Child Development and meet all state licensing requirements for a Lead Preschool Teacher (LPT). They should demonstrate a genuine passion for working with young children and possess the knowledge and skills necessary to support their growth and development. This individual must be compassionate, dependable, and emotionally mature, with the ability to build positive relationships with both children and adults. Strong communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to providing consistency and stability within the program are essential. As a faith-based organization, we seek a committed Christian who actively participates in a local church community and serves as a positive role model, reflecting Christian values in both words and actions. This position is non-exempt, hourly with a workday of 8 hours, Monday through Friday.

General Description of Duties

The Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing a developmentally appropriate educational program that aligns with the school's curriculum, philosophy, and objectives. The Lead Preschool Teacher fosters a nurturing, engaging, and Christ-centered learning environment that supports each child's spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

The Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all children in accordance with Community Care Licensing regulations and school policies. This position requires professionalism, leadership, and a commitment to building positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and the school community. The Lead Preschool Teacher is also responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming classroom environment and ensuring that all classroom materials, equipment, and facilities are properly cared for and well maintained.

Responsibilities

This position is designated as an on-site position. Employees are required to perform all job duties and responsibilities at the organization's designated work location during scheduled work hours.

Due to the nature of the position, including direct interaction with children, staff, families, and program operations, remote work, telecommuting, or work-from-home arrangements are not permitted. Regular and reliable on-site attendance is an essential function of this position.

Employees are expected to report to the assigned worksite as scheduled and comply with all attendance and scheduling requirements. Failure to maintain regular on-site attendance may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

1.Plan, supervise, and implement classroom programs in alignment with the mission, policies, curriculum, and Christian philosophy of The Academy of Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church.

2.Be flexible and available to work scheduled shifts between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., as staffing and program needs require. Occasional special events may require adjusted schedules or split shifts. There are no set schedules.

3.Create and lead a developmentally appropriate Early Childhood Education program that supports the spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of each child within a group learning environment.

4.Treat every child with dignity, respect, and Christ-like compassion. Be warm and inviting to parents, acknowledging parent/caregiver at pick-up and drop-off and providing daily communication. Follow the school’s discipline policies with students and communicate behavioral concerns promptly and professionally, when necessary, with the Director.

5.Maintain strict confidentiality regarding students, families, staff, and all school-related matters.

6.Create and maintain an organized, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that promotes learning, exploration, and student success.

7.Employees are expected to be available to work on all designated blackout dates as outlined in the school calendar. Time-off requests for blackout dates will not be approved. Please refer to the annual school calendar for a complete list of blackout dates and required workdays.

8.Complete daily classroom responsibilities, including preparing and serving snacks, organizing children’s belongings, and maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming classroom environment. Duties include, but are not limited to, light housekeeping tasks such as sweeping, mopping, disinfecting tables and chairs multiple times throughout the day, emptying trash, and ensuring in-classroom restrooms remain clean, stocked, and sanitary.

9.Attend all required staff meetings, training sessions, and school events. Complete a minimum of 8 hours of professional development annually and participate in designated events such as Back-to-School Night, Christmas programs, parent conferences, and other school functions.

10.Provide active and engaged supervision during outdoor play at all times. Staff members are required to position themselves in assigned areas throughout the playground to ensure full visibility and coverage of all children. Teachers will rotate supervision stations approximately every 10 minutes as directed. Gathering or huddling together while supervising children is not permitted, as maintaining proper supervision and student safety is the highest priority.

11.Conduct ongoing observation and assessment of each child's spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Complete and communicate formal developmental assessments bi-annually before parent teacher conferences.

12.Maintain current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certifications and comply with all licensing and safety requirements.

13.Prepare and distribute a weekly classroom lesson plan and monthly newsletters to keep families informed of classroom activities, learning objectives, and upcoming events.

14.Serve as a positive Christian role model, demonstrating faith, integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to the mission and values of the school.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

The Lead Preschool Teacher must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:

• Child Development and Early Childhood Education theories and practices
• Safe, developmentally appropriate activities for children
• State Licensing and PDCPC Policies & Procedures to ensure children are always supervised and safe.
• Awareness, value, respect, & understanding of Cultural diversity & differences
Skills The Lead Preschool Teacher must demonstrate the following skills:
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Classroom supervision and child engagement.
• Critical thinking, problemsolving, and sound decisionmaking.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Active listening and professional relationshipbuilding.
• Organization, time management, and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Adaptability and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• The ability to support and enhance the teaching and learning process.
• Maintaining a calm and professional demeanor in challenging situations.
Personal Attributes

The Lead Preschool Teacher must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of a teacher. They must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:

• A demonstrated deep faith in Jesus Christ & desire to serve in Kingdom work.
• Respectfulness for others.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Flexible, adaptable, versatile, and open to change.
• Demonstrated integrity and sound work ethics.
• Consistent and fair.
• Compassionate and understanding.
• Able to build esteem while ensuring a safe and secure environment.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

The Lead Preschool Teacher must be able to actively engage with young children throughout the day, including lifting and carrying children, classroom materials, and equipment as needed (50lbs or more). This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting on the floor or child-sized furniture. The LPT is also responsible for helping maintain a clean, safe, and organized learning environment.

Work Environment

The LPT works in a dynamic preschool setting that is often active and fast-paced. The ability to effectively supervise children, maintain a safe environment, and remain attentive while managing multiple responsibilities is essential. This position may involve exposure to typical classroom conditions, including noise, cleaning products, and routine childcare responsibilities such as assisting with toileting and caring for children who may become ill during the school day.

Cognitive Requirements

The LPT must be able to exercise sound judgment, remain attentive to children’s safety and well-being, and effectively manage multiple tasks in a busy classroom environment. The ability to respond calmly and appropriately to unexpected situations, accidents, or emergencies is essential.

Professional Qualifications
• First Aid/CPR Certified
• Mandated Reporter
• Cleared Criminal Records check
• One year of experience minimum working with children, additional preferred
• Minimum 18 years of age
• Minimum of 12 ECE Units through accredited college
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree highly preferred

This is a full-time, non-exempt position requiring regular on-site presence during operating hours to support staff, families, and daily operations. Occasional off-site work or participation in special events outside regular hours may be required. Employment is at-will, and either the employee or employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. PDCPC reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.