Preschool Teacher

Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30 am-5:30 pm; Tues 8:30 am-2 pm; Thurs 8:30 am-2:30 pm Total Hours: 37 (half hour non‑paid break included Mon, Wed, Fri) 9‑Week Summer Program: 20‑32 hours per week Start Date: July 27, 2026 About This Role 1st Church Preschool is an NAEYC accredited morning and full‑day preschool program located in Cheshire. The program is not religiously affiliated and promotes a play‑based philosophy that encourages learning through hands‑on experiences. We provide education and childcare for children aged 2.9 months through 6 years old. Our preschool operates a normal school year and a 9‑week summer program. The program closes for December Break and 9 days in August. Description 1st Church Preschool is hiring a full‑time preschool teacher to support the operation of our classroom. Teachers will also staff April school vacation week and the summer program as needed. What You’ll Do 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 meet the 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 lb 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 encouraging 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 programming 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 in updating and maintaining NAEYC Classroom Portfolio. Assume leadership in the absence of the Head Teacher. Attendance at workshops and training 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 workdays, Parent Night, end‑of‑the‑year event and assistance with parent/teacher conferences as needed. Reliable and consistent attendance includes 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. Requirements Teacher Minimum Qualifications Associate’s degree in early childhood education or a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education required with experience in an early childcare setting and Connecticut Head Teacher Certification. Knowledge Child development and early education theories and practices Safe and appropriate activities for children CT OEC State Licensing Regulations Knowledge of NAEYC Standards and Accreditation Knowledge of CT‑ELDS and CT‑DOTS Benefits Medical Dental Vision

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