Early Childhood Teacher - First Baptist Church Plano

Classroom Tasks

• Planning, supervising, and implementing the programs for the class in accordance with the Academy Director and curriculum coordinator.
• Maintaining an age-appropriate classroom learning environment, as required by the Academy Director. 
• Independence in assuming responsibility for the efficient and satisfactory arrangement of interest areas, rooms, storage, and outdoor area; and the adjustment of temperature, light, and ventilation in the assigned classroom.  
• Supervising children by sight and sound at all times.
• Guiding children towards desirable habits in eating, sleeping, personal hygiene, social development, emotional stability, self-dependence, self-control, and respect for authority.
• Creating a warm and accepting environment for all children, families, visitors, and potential customers. Maintaining ongoing communication with families that includes knowing their names and addressing each person by name every day.
• Recognizing the individuality of each child and planning the program to assure each child’s success. Demonstrating and teaching respect for diversity among children and adults.
• Understanding the process of child development and relating that understanding to teaching.
• Showing awareness of progress or lack of it in a child’s behavior, being alert to the total group even when dealing with a part of it.
• Encouraging and guiding the expression of feelings, being a good listener, and assisting children in gaining confidence.
• Guiding children in developing skills across all learning domains by teaching specific skills and giving children time to explore a variety of creative materials throughout each day.
• Assisting children in problem-solving and guiding them through conflicts by teaching and modeling positive conflict resolution skills.
• Assessing and observing children and using these observations to plan effective learning opportunities for each individual class and for the entire group.
• Making proper requests, in a timely manner, for materials and supplies to facilitate the operation of classroom activities. 

Academy Tasks

• Assuming an equal share of the joint housekeeping responsibilities of the staff and maintaining cleanliness of the individual classroom at all times.
• Attending all staff meetings, training sessions, staff work days, parent conferences, parent open houses, graduation programs, and other special functions as scheduled by the Academy Director.
• Maintaining current First-Aid and CPR certification during employment (this is a job requirement). Attending training seminars to aid in development of job skills and increase potential for growth. Participating in an academy training event as a facilitator or co-facilitator bi-annually.  
• Participating in the larger early childhood community through attendance at conferences, volunteer service, and keeping a current membership in a local, state, or national early childhood organization.
• Maintaining a thorough knowledge and close adherence to the Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers, NAC accreditation standards, and the operating policies of Lionheart Children’s Academy. 

Background, Experience and Education

• At least 18 years of age and high school diploma or GED certificate required. 
• Early education BA, AA or CDA highly preferred for Teacher position. 
• Previous experience in a state licensed facility OR 24 hours of documented pre-service training required for a Teacher position. 
• Children’s ministry experience is a plus. 

Critical Gifts

• Spiritual maturity - committed and passionate follower of Jesus Christ
• Desire to reach children and parents for Christ.
• Friendliness and a warmth towards people
• Dependability and self-confidence
• Enthusiasm for teaching
• Desire to growth and learn personally and professionally
• Comfortable having spiritual conversations with children and adults
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• An ability to evaluate self
• A clear and well-modulated voice
• Self-starter
• Personal appearance that is neat and suitable for working with young children 

Essential Job Functions - All staff in supervision of children must be:

• Able to see, hear and respond to children’s needs, emergencies and conflicts that might occur in a classroom, on playground, in bathrooms, and in common areas.
• Able to lift 35-50 pounds from the floor to a waist high table 10-15 times daily.
• Able to reach a child 20-30 feet away within 30 seconds without danger to the employee’s health.
• Able to crouch to a child’s height, maintain eye contact at the child’s level, sit on the floor, and stand tall enough to reach children on the highest piece of equipment.
• Able to determine cognitive, social and physical needs of children and communicate in writing and verbally in the English language at a level that 90-95% of parents and other staff are able to understand and respond to.
• Able to handle the stress, tension and exasperation that daily contact with many children and parents might bring.