Kindergarten Readiness Academy Teacher

The Salvation Army; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Harrisburg is seeking a Kindergarten Readiness Academy Teacher for the Summer program (June–August 2026). This full-time seasonal role reports to the Youth and Family Education Administrator and involves planning and facilitating KR lessons for ages 4–5 in a structured classroom.

The teacher will create curriculum, track progress, and prepare a final program summary, ensuring a safe, engaging learning environment and alignment with developmental standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or similar area.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with preschool or kindergarten ages; urban youth experience preferred.
• Must be able to work independently and in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and plan lessons for the Kindergarten Readiness program.
• Maintain classroom atmosphere that supports student growth and high standards.
• Prepare curriculum for ages 4–5 and track progress using provided assessment tools.
• Prepare a summary report at program completion detailing results.

Skills

Time management

Collaboration

MS Office

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Position: Kindergarten Readiness Academy Teacher

Department: Youth and Family Education

Availability of Position: June -August 2026

Schedule: Seasonal, Full Time, June -August 2026

Reporting Relationship: Directly: Youth and Family Education Administrator

Indirectly: Youth and Family Education Site Coordinator

Salary/Grade: $18.50 per hour; 73 NE

Responsibilities

Description of Position:

The Kindergarten Readiness (KR) Teacher will facilitate and, at times, plan lessons for participants in the KR program. The Teacher will foster a classroom atmosphere that promotes student growth and maintains high academic and developmental standards. The Teacher will provide participants with a safe and enjoyable environment in which to learn and play. Modeling honest, positive behaviors and practices is necessary. The Teacher must be able to prepare curriculum for and instruct youth ages 4 and 5. The Teacher will track student progress following the provided assessment tools and schedule in consultation with supervisor and the KR consultant. Will prepare a summary report at the completion of the program detailing program results. This position is full-time, seasonal employment.

Qualifications

Requirements:

Minimum requirement Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or similar area and 2 years experience working with preschool and /or kindergarten aged students (experience with urban youth preferred). Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with database applications. Should be self-motivated; exhibit strong initiative and time management skills as well as good organizational and interpersonal skills. The position requires the ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment but also the ability to work independently. Knowledgeable in various pedagogies and child development principles. Knowledge of cultural flexibility, competency in working with multi-cultural participants and experience working with inner-city and un-churched youth is required. Must be a detail-oriented, logical thinker, who is a motivated self-starter and able to work independently on assigned projects. Must be able to adapt and change to meet the needs of the organization and the community.

• Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law requires that all prospective employees complete the following clearance and background checks: PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and PA DHS Criminal Record/Fingerprint Check. In addition, completion of a Pennsylvania approved Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training is necessary prior to employment.
• Must understand and support for the Mission of The Salvation Army.
• Valid National Sex Offender Registry Clearance
• TB Test
• Health Physical to meet DHS compliance for licensed School Age Centers
• Upon hire, complete 10 hours Health and Safety Training
• CPR, First Aid and AED Training

(NOTE: The full job description will be provided to interested candidates who meet minimum requirements as set forth above)

The Salvation Army’s 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.

Released by the Divisional Human Resources Department on 3/19/26.

Req #2610