Preschool Teacher (Seagull Schools, Aina Haina)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Overview:

Teachers are essential in shaping the early development of children. They create a safe and nurturing environment, design and deliver age-appropriate curricula, and work closely with families to support each child's growth. Teachers report directly to the Center Director or Teacher-in-Charge.

Individuals who enjoy working with young children, demonstrate patience, and maintain reliable attendance will thrive in this role.

Key Responsibilities: 

Maintain NAEYC Accreditation Standards and practices.

Educational Development

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with educational standards.
• Promote physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth through play-based and hands-on learning activities.

Classroom Management

• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Use positive reinforcement and appropriate disciplinary methods to manage behavior.
• Train and evaluate assistant teachers, aides, and volunteers constructively.
• Maintain a clear substitute teacher plan in case of absence.
• Provide training and assist with toileting and diapering tasks in age-appropriate classrooms.
• Act as a role model for assistants and aides.

Child Development

• Observe and assess children’s developmental milestones and learning progress.
• Provide tailored support to children with varying abilities or special needs.

Parent Communication

• Maintain open communication with parents/guardians about their child’s progress and address concerns.
• Prepare and share progress reports and participate in parent-teacher meetings.
• Communicate with families regularly on Seagull Schools approved communication software

Health and Safety

• Adhere to health and safety guidelines to ensure children’s well-being.
• Supervise indoor and outdoor activities to prevent injuries.
• Teach hygiene practices, such as handwashing and tidiness.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, educators, and administrators.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and training as required.

Creative Engagement

• Promote creativity through art, music, storytelling, and dramatic play.
• Encourage curiosity and exploration to foster problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Administrative Tasks

• Maintain accurate attendance records and documentation of children’s progress.
• Prepare compliance and administrative reports as required.
• Maintain children’s record files.
• Contact parents if a child is absent for more than two days.
• Provide constructive feedback and conduct evaluations for assistant teachers and teacher’s aides.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Center Director or Teacher-in-Charge.

Qualifications:

• Meet State of Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) qualification standards for Teacher
  1. Option 1: BA in child development or early childhood education with six months of experience.
  2. Option 2: BA in elementary education with six months of preschool experience plus six ECE credits.
  3. Option 3: AS degree and ECE credential with one year of experience.
  4. Option 4: CDA credential with one year of experience.
• Meet medical, TB clearance, and criminal history requirements.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, empathy, and a nurturing demeanor.
• Creativity in designing engaging educational activities.
• Strong organizational skills for managing classroom materials and schedules.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with parents, colleagues, and administrators.  

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) leave.
• Bereavement leave.
• 19+ paid holidays.
• Medical, vision, prescription drug, and dental insurance.
• Supplemental health insurance through AFLAC.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Employee child tuition discount.

About Us:

Seagull Schools provides children an exceptional start to their educational journey. We do this in partnership with our learning community (families, students, teachers, kūpuna) by: 

• Ensuring we use nationally-recognized best practices in early childhood learning and care.
• Learning through play and having fun!
• Providing affordable, accessible educational opportunities of the highest quality.
• Recognizing individual needs and interests to create personalized learning opportunities.
• Building connections and engaging with our local community.