Early Childhood Teacher

Early Childhood TeacherSt. John LaLande Catholic School in Blue Springs, Missouri is seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Teacher to nurture the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development of young children in a Christ-centered learning environment. The teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate instruction, fostering curiosity and a love of learning, and creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom where every child is valued for their God-given dignity and potential.The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education and committed to partnering with families to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning, faith, and personal growth. The teacher serves as a witness to the Catholic faith and supports the mission of Catholic education through daily interactions, classroom instruction, and the modeling of Christian virtues.Essential DutiesPlan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities that promote cognitive, language, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development.Integrate Catholic faith, prayer, Scripture, and Christian values into daily classroom routines and learning experiences.Establish a welcoming, structured, and nurturing classroom environment that encourages exploration, creativity, independence, and a love of learning.Observe, assess, and document children's progress to identify developmental needs and guide instructional planning.Adapt teaching strategies, materials, and activities to support individual learning styles, developmental levels, and diverse student needs.Promote positive behavior, self-regulation, problem-solving, and respectful relationships through consistent, age-appropriate guidance rooted in Catholic values.Build strong, collaborative relationships with families through regular communication about student progress, classroom experiences, and developmental concerns.Collaborate with classroom aides, specialists, and other school personnel to support student learning, inclusion, and overall well-being.Maintain accurate student records, assessment documentation, attendance, and other required classroom information.Supervise and monitor students at all times, including during classroom activities, transitions, meals, playground time, and school events, ensuring their safety and well-being.Maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom that supports meaningful learning and complies with applicable health, safety, and licensing requirements.Participate in parent conferences, staff meetings, professional development, school events, and other activities that support the school's mission and educational goals.Follow school policies, diocesan guidelines, safe environment requirements, and applicable regulations governing early childhood education.Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, confidentiality, flexibility, and a spirit of cooperation in working with students, families, and colleagues.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.Ability to plan engaging learning experiences that support the whole child, including academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth.Strong classroom management skills and the ability to establish clear, consistent, and age-appropriate expectations.Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.Ability to recognize individual student needs and adapt instruction to support diverse developmental levels and learning styles.Commitment to creating an inclusive classroom environment that respects the dignity of every child.Ability to exercise patience, creativity, sound judgment, and professionalism in a dynamic classroom setting.Commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church and the integration of faith into daily teaching and relationships.Ability to maintain accurate records, protect confidential information, and comply with school policies and regulatory requirements.Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and faith formation.Basic QualificationsBachelor's degree or Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field, as appropriate to the teaching assignment.Valid Missouri teaching certificate or other applicable early childhood credential, as required for the position.Experience working with young children in a preschool, early childhood center, or school setting preferred.Practicing Catholic preferred, with a demonstrated commitment to supporting and advancing the mission of Catholic education.Ability to meet applicable state licensing, health, and safety requirements for early childhood educators.This position offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403b plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous Vacation and Sick leaves, plus paid Holidays.RequirementsNote: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person trainings prior to hire.