Description
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Position Summary
The main objective of the lead teacher will be to assist and/or fill the role of Preschool Director and Children's Ministry leader in their absence, as well as act as a liaison to support staff members as needed.
Essential Functions
- Ensure the day-to-day operations of the Creator's Corner preschool and Henley Youth program, including:
- Assist where needed when Community Care licensing arrives on campus, reviewing files, maintaining compliance, and collaborating with a Licensing analyst.
- Support and schedule staff for lunches and breaks in the Director's absence.
- Collaborate with Directors for professional growth opportunities.
- Assist with staff meetings and parent meetings as needed.
- Assist in hiring new staff as needed.
- Answer phone calls and help with front office duties as needed.
- Work flexible hours, including opening and closing as needed.
- Always maintain visual supervision of children; children must never be left unattended.
- Be on duty as assigned, focusing on the children, practicing active visual supervision.
- Ensure children are released only to authorized persons.
- Maintain a healthy and safe environment both inside and outside.
- Ensure qualified staff are in place during breaks or lunch to maintain legal ratios.
- Work cooperatively with staff to build a strong team.
- Demonstrate high-quality teaching skills, including age-appropriate planning, assessment, classroom management, and curriculum implementation.
- Develop and implement daily plans related to the weekly curriculum theme, including Bible truth time and chapel.
- Develop individual goals for each student and maintain records on their progress, performing assessments twice a year.
- Be available to parents as needed, maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicate supply and educational needs to the Director promptly.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom environment.
- Greet children and families warmly, maintaining active supervision.
- Develop professional relationships with families.
- Engage in professional development, including completing required ECE units or workshops and providing certificates of completion.
- Administer First Aid as needed, following safety precautions.
- Attend staff meetings and school events.
- Follow policies outlined in the Staff Procedures Handbook and licensing regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Preschool or Children's Ministries Director.
Pay Rate: $20.00-$26.00/hr.
Working Conditions
Ability to perform physical activities such as walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 40 lbs. Ability to operate office equipment and tools.
Competencies
- Effective communication with staff and families.
- Proactive problem-solving and initiative.
- Teamwork and respect for others.
- Knowledge of Salvation Army mission, licensing policies, and educational standards.
- Flexibility and adaptability.
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 24 units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; administrative units preferred.
- Associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
- Minimum 3 years of experience at The Salvation Army Tustin Youth Center.
- Current Pediatric First Aid & CPR certification preferred.
- Ability to pass a physician's report, tuberculosis test, and background checks.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Understanding of children's cognitive, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social needs.
- Ability to organize and implement curriculum effectively.
- Strong communication skills in English.
- Professional, dependable, and responsible attitude.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change.
- Creative and detail-oriented.
- Flexible hours, including occasional weekends and evenings.
- Positive customer service skills.
- Mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect.