Preschool Teacher

St. Andrew’s School develops the independence, character, mind, and spirit of its students to prepare them for lives of citizenship, service, and purpose. Be at the center of this mission by joining the school as a full-time preschool teacher, a key member of the preschool and childcare team.

About the role

The Preschool Teacher creates engaging and educational experiences for children, developing and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans, ensuring safety, and fostering a positive learning environment in both indoor and outdoor settings. St. Andrew’s Preschool and Childcare is located on the campus of St. Andrew’s School, an Episcopal, co-educational, all-boarding high school in Middletown, Delaware. The program serves children ages 6 weeks to 9 years through full and half-day programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and caring environment with supervision and daily class functions for a group of children.
• Observe all St. Andrew’s rules and state regulatory requirements pertaining to the health, safety, and care of children.
• Support lead teachers by integrating supplementary, age-appropriate activities into the daily schedule.
• Lead class in the absence of the lead teacher.
• Work as a team player and assist in other classes as needed.
• Maintain daily communication with parents.
• Attend in-service and monthly staff meetings.
• Support lead teachers in maintaining an attractive, well-kept classroom that encourages children to create, explore, and make decisions with confidence.
• Accept responsibility for maintenance and cleaning duties of the classroom and playground.
• Coordinate activities and curriculum as a team member.
• Implement instructional strategies that integrate play, discovery, and learning centers.
• Support the implementation of learning experiences that advance the intellectual, physical, and social/emotional development of all children, including literacy, phonemic, print, and numeric awareness, vocabulary development, appreciation of books, and problem-solving abilities.
• Provide verbal recognition and acceptance to children while setting clear and consistent behavioral expectations.
• Maintain a professional personal appearance.
• Lift up to 35 lbs. in connection with handling children for program facilitation, child safety, and potential emergency situations.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age with an Early Childhood Education Certificate as Head or Assistant Teacher.
• Two or more years of experience in a childcare setting or working with young children.
• Knowledge of the social, emotional, and creative needs of young children.
• Ability to effectively communicate with young children and parents.
• Proficient active listening skills to understand and adapt to the various needs of children and parents.
• Patience and compassion suitable for working with young children.

A thorough background check—inclusive of fingerprinting, a drug screen, and a physical—is required as a condition of employment. Applicants must complete satisfactory reference checks and confirm compliance with federal and state employment laws.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Two health plan options to ensure you and your family have access to quality care.
• Retirement Plan: Secure your financial future with our 403(b) and Roth retirement plans. The school provides a matching contribution: for every dollar contributed, the school contributes two dollars, up to 10% of salary, with immediate vesting. Rollovers are permitted from other 403(b) plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off and holidays to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to resources and programs promoting physical and mental well-being.
• Health Savings Account: Includes a St. Andrew’s School match.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Provided at no cost to you.