Early Childhood Education Lead Teacher
About LifeWise StL:
Rooted in our foundation as Kingdom House since 1902, our mission is to help individuals and families achieve economic well-being by providing high-impact, relationship-based programming and by addressing systemic barriers to their success.
Position Summary:
LifeWise StL is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to join our Early Childhood Center team. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact the lives of children aged 6 weeks to 5 years by providing nurturing care and innovative educational experiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for early childhood education, a positive and nurturing attitude, and a commitment to professional growth. Both part-time and full-time positions are available.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Child Interaction and Educational Leadership:
- Interact with children in a warm, positive, and nurturing manner.
- Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans that promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
- Use learning time effectively, managing daily routines and transitions to support children’s learning and kindergarten readiness.
Classroom Management and Maintenance:
- Follow and improve opening and closing procedures, ensuring cleanliness and organization of the classroom.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment, and report items in need of repair to the Director.
- Carry out daily classroom procedures, such as medication distribution, dietary plans, hand washing, and cleaning/sanitizing.
Professional Development and Parent Engagement:
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth by attending and actively participating in all service trainings, conferences, and staff meetings (minimum of 18 hours per year as required by Missouri Accreditation Standard).
- Engage parents in understanding developmental milestones and classroom activities.
- Communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress and any issues that may arise, providing opportunities for family involvement.
Required Experience and Skills:
Educational Requirements:
- Associate’s (AA) or Bachelor’s (BA) degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. Applicants should have completed at least 10 to 12 early childhood education classes.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification is preferred. Candidates without this certification should be willing to obtain it within 2 years of hire.
- Previous teaching experience in early childhood education is highly desirable.
Professional Experience:
- At least 3 credit hours in early childhood education or a related field, with experience working in a group setting, preferably in an early childhood education environment.
Additional Skills:
- Ability to develop nurturing relationships with each child and encourage positive interactions among children.
- Competence in the use of computers for educational and communication purposes.
- Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds, pass a background check, and complete a pre-employment drug test and TB test.
How to Apply:
Send a resume and cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org. In the subject line, please write “Lead Teacher.”
LifeWise StL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
