Preschool Teacher

Thewellspringchristianacademy; Coachella (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Church in Coachella Valley seeks a Lead Preschool Teacher to guide early learners within a Gospel-centered program. You will plan lessons, communicate with families, and foster a loving, safe classroom environment.

The role requires a committed Christian faith, 2+ years in childcare, and California ECE prerequisites, plus teamwork while modeling church values.

Qualifications

• Must be a loving, faithful follower of Christ and active in a Gospel-centered church.
• Must hold high school diploma or higher with ECE units as required by CA.
• Minimum 2+ years in childcare or teaching.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and perform related physical tasks.
• Willingness to participate in devotionals and staff meetings.
• Demonstrates professional, friendly demeanor and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement weekly lesson plans based on curriculum.
• Write monthly parent communications and update via in-person/phone/email.
• Build positive relationships with families and maintain trust.
• Create a calm, engaging classroom environment and supervise students.
• Supervise and coach assistant teachers.
• Assist with bathroom breaks, diaper changes, hygiene.
• Attend devotionals, staff meetings, and professional development.

Skills

Love kids

Active church member

Strong work ethic

Team player

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in ECE or related field

12 ECE units including infant/toddler

Job description

About Southwest Church

A Gospel-centered, Multiethnic, Intergenerational church. We LOVE Discipleship! Nestled in the heart of the Coachella Valley in Southern California, Southwest started with humble beginnings in 1973. Eight believers launched a church in hopes of becoming an outpost for the gospel of Jesus Christ for the community in the desert. Decades later that inaugural momentum remains the core of our church’s vision to be a church that is centered upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are a multiethnic church that believes that the gospel unites all people for the glory of Christ. We are excited about the gospel exchange that should take place from generation to generation. Our mission is to make disciples and unleash believers in the world to champion the gospel in their everyday lives. Sitting on 42 acres that shares a property line with the famous Indian Wells Tennis Gardens. At one of the busiest intersections in the Valley, Southwest stands poised to minister to the 600,000 residents and an annual 3.5 million tourists that have made our region famous around the world!

Summary

As a vital member of the Preschool Teaching Team, the Lead Teacher must be able to effectively fulfill the essential responsibilities including, but not limited to the following:

Key Responsibilities

• Planning, preparing and implementing weekly lesson plans, based on the program’s selected curriculum and activities.
• Writing a monthly parent newsletter and communicating with parents in person, via phone, text and through email.
• Developing a professional level of rapport with each family, in order to establish trust and relationship.
• Demonstrating effective classroom management that creates a calm and inviting environment, conducive to learning and fun.
• Continuously interacting with and supervising the students with encouragement, positive reinforcement and redirection in the classroom, Club House and the playgrounds.
• Teaching, coordinating and compassionately helping students develop a sincere love for learning in centers and in both small and large group settings.
  • Continuing to research new ideas and methods of effective teaching through differentiation to fit the various learning styles of students.
  • Following all safety guidelines and procedures, while maintaining a safe, clean, clutter-free and organized environment.
  • Supervising and coaching assistant teachers in encouraging and uplifting ways.
  • Assisting with bathroom runs, making sure that children have good hygiene and changing diapers and/or clothing as necessary.
  • Maintaining a professional self-image and representing the core values of Southwest Church.
  • Attending all devotionals, staff meetings and professional development as required by the Director.
• Continuing education at an accepted pace.

Physical requirements: Constant periods of sitting and repetitive motions. Occasionally able to lift or move up to 40 lbs and standing or walking.

Qualifications

• Know, love and serve God and love Kids.
• Be an active Member of a Christian, Gospel-Centered Church.
• Have earned a high school diploma, an associate degree in early childhood education or comparable field and have completed the 12 units of early childhood courses (including the infant/toddler class if working with this age group), as required by the State of California.
• Have 2+ years’ experience in a childcare or teaching setting.
• Be aware of the unique needs of young children and maintain appropriate expectations of their abilities, while challenging them to be the best they can be.
• Exemplify a strong work ethic and punctuality, while demonstrating a friendly, professional and positive demeanor.
• Prove to be a proactive self-starter, creative problem solver and collaborative team player.
• Must be in good mental and physical health with the ability to squat, lift, bend, push, pull, carry children and reach without difficulty.