Preschool Director/ 3 Year Old Teacher

Position Description for Director of First Lutheran Preschool

Purpose: To serve as a leader to the Preschool staff, students, parents, and volunteers

Position Summary: First Lutheran Preschool is a ministry of First Lutheran Church (FLC). The Director will coordinate and supervise the day to day operational, educational, and administrative duties of the preschool and ensure all activities are designed to promote the spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of the children.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

General Duties:

· Ensure all state requirements are met, complete required forms and documents which include staff and student files, and meet with state licensing department consultants and other officials as needed.

· Implement a safety and disaster plan for the school which includes conducting and maintaining proper fire and tornado drills, ensuring proper recording

· Prepare, update, and distribute the parent handbook, which includes policies on attendance, fees, admission, discipline, program schedule, the general philosophy and goals, and the yearly calendar which includes day and times the preschool will be open

· Report to the FLC Board of Directors through the Director of Christian Education monthly on the progress of the program, concerns, needs, budget, and staff evaluations

· Foster relationships with current and prospective parents, including being able to answer questions, give facility tours and manage marketing strategies to include enrollment activities each preceding winter/spring

· Plan and arrange special events and field trips

· Foster the growth and development of a positive relationship between FLC and the First Lutheran Preschool staff and families

Fiscal Responsibilities:

· Manage budget, including collection of and recording enrollment fees and tuition, purchase of routine equipment and supplies, and turning in bills to the Board of Finance for payment

· Maintain daily ledger and work with Board of Finance to prepare an annual budget for approval by the FLC Board of Directors and Church congregation

Space and Equipment Management:

· Ensure equipment and rooms are in good repair and consult Board of Trustees as needed

· Plan for future needs of the preschool, including outdoors areas

Staff Supervision/Employee Relationships:

· Have knowledge of developmentally appropriate curriculum, interactions, and environments. Administer, plan, and evaluate activities and lesson plans that embrace Christian beliefs, promote developmentally appropriate learning with Preschool teachers

· Lead and assist the Preschool staff in the establishment and operation of the preschool, including day to day operations and special events

· Equip and supervise Preschool staff through training, professional development, meetings, mediating minor disagreements, and assisting staff when necessary

· Establish and maintain a complete file for each member of the Preschool staff

· Complete time sheets and other payroll records as required by the Board of Finance and submit for payment

· Assist FLC Personnel Committee in the recruitment to fill Preschool staff vacancies and making hiring recommendations

Qualifications:

· A mature Christian who loves the Lord and cultivates a relationship with God through regular worship attendance and study of the Word. Sees their role as a calling for ministry, understanding the mission of FLC and First Lutheran Preschool. Ready and able to share the Gospel and personal faith with children, parents, and staff through words, actions, and attitude. Team oriented while acknowledging spiritual gifts and the use of these gifts in building up the Body of Christ with Preschool staff. People focused, caring, positive, and valuing God’s children of every age and genuine love for families.

· Must meet one of the following requirements (as required by the State of Nebraska)

o Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, education or child/youth development;

o Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least six credit hours in early childhood education, education or child/youth development;

· Maintain First Aid and CPR (adult and child) certification

Line of Accountability:

· Reports to: Director of Christian Education and FLC Board of Directors

JOB DESCRIPTION OF TEACHER

The teacher will be responsible for the safety and learning of a class and responsible for developing and implementing an ongoing program of lessons and activities that promote the spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child enrolled. The teacher develops partnerships with parents to engage and encourage them. The teacher is also responsible for assuring compliance with State requirements and works collegially with other staff member of First Lutheran Preschool.

QUALIFICATIONS

STANDARD QUALIFICATIONS: The person must have a strong Christian faith and active in a local church. It is preferred that the person has a CDA, AA or bachelor’s degree with early childhood experience or has two years of experience as a paraprofessional/teacher associate, in an early childhood setting. This person must be sensitive and mature, able to relate well to both children and adults. This person must have the personality and ability to provide leadership and an atmosphere for growth for the whole child.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Be responsible for the arrangement, appearance, decor, and learning environments of the classroom keeping them clean and safe for children to be safe while exploring and learning.

2. Develop positive relationships with the children promoting their self-esteem, self-control and that each one is a unique child of God.

3. Plan, supervise, and implement lessons and activities for the class in accordance with the policies and mission of First Lutheran Preschool. This responsibility includes Christian teaching and leading through Christian role modeling.

4. Gear the program to the needs of the individual child with concerns for his/her safety, interest, special talents, and individual style and pace of learning along with a child’s interactions with classmates, sharing with each one the love of Jesus.

5. Treat each child with dignity and respect, even when discipline is necessary, offering forgiveness

6. Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters that pertain to the children, staff and center business.

7. Attend preschool sponsored programs and events that occur beyond the normal classroom hours as required.

8. Plan and implement methods of establishing a positive relationship with parents of the students through conversation, email and newsletters.

9. Direct and supervise the Teaching Assistant and volunteers working with him/her in the classroom.

10. Attend all monthly meetings and in-service provided by First Lutheran Preschool and

participate in appropriate professional growth opportunities and DHHS required education hours.

11. Complete bi-annual assessment of children’s development and report to parents in progress reports and through parent-teacher conferences.

12. Be familiar with the risk of exposure to blood and bodily fluids and use universal precautions.

13. Report any suspected abuse to authorities and the Director.

14. Other duties as assigned.

REPORTS TO: Director of First Lutheran Preschool

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires the individual to be physically fit in order to lead a wide variety of individual and group activities. It also requires stamina to work long periods of time in a physically active environment. Regularly includes work on the floor, hand dexterity for changing diapers or under wear, lifting children. Crawling, bending, stooping, and climbing. Possess mental and physical stamina required to work with small children.

Other Physical Requirements:

· Able to lift up to 50 pounds.

· Able to walk, bend, stand, squat or sit on the floor with children or in a chair next to the children throughout an 3-hour day.

· Able to walk up and down steps several times each day.

· Able to physically respond quickly in an emergency.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

* Each employee (working 21 hours or more each week) is required to obtain 12 hours for management of professional development (in-service) per calendar year and maintain a Professional Development Record.

* Each employee (working 20 hours or under each week) is required to obtain 6 hours for management of professional development (in-service) per calendar year and maintain a Professional Development Record.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 25 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person