Pre-K Lead Teacher

Job Summary

Oak Hill United Methodist Church Preschool is seeking a passionate, nurturing, and dedicated Pre-K Lead Teacher to inspire young learners and create a warm, engaging classroom environment. The Pre-K Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences that support each child's cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.

This position provides leadership within the classroom by fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment, guiding daily classroom operations, and collaborating with their pre-k team, assistant teachers and families to support each child's development. The ideal candidate demonstrates a genuine love for working with young children, strong classroom management and communication skills, and a commitment to building meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

As a valued member of our Preschool team, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact during a child's most important developmental years while serving in a collaborative environment dedicated to excellence in early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate, play-based lesson plans that support children's cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development while aligning with the Preschool curriculum and Texas Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment that encourages exploration, creativity, independence, and positive social interactions.
• Build meaningful relationships with each child and foster a classroom culture rooted in kindness and respect.
• Observe, assess, and document each child's developmental progress, adapting instruction and classroom experiences to meet individual learning needs.
• Collaborate daily with families by communicating children's accomplishments, developmental milestones, and any behavioral or developmental concerns. Participate in scheduled parent-teacher conferences and family events.
• Supervise and support all daily classroom routines, including arrival and dismissal, learning centers, outdoor play, meals/snacks, restroom and diapering routines (as applicable), rest time, and classroom transitions.
• Utilize positive behavior management strategies that promote self-regulation, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning.
• Work collaboratively with assistant teachers, Preschool staff, and church leadership to maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented environment.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, child assessments, lesson plans, and other documentation in accordance with Preschool policies and Texas Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Participate in a minimum of 24 hours of annual professional development focused on early childhood education, child development, health and safety, and child welfare.
• Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification and complete all required licensing and church training, including Safe Gatherings.
• Work Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. to 1:30p.m.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Preschool Ministries.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated passion for working with young children in a preschool setting.
• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children, including classroom management responsibilities.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 1–5.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and church staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Must obtain Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification upon hire (if not currently certified).
• Must successfully complete all required background checks, including fingerprinting, FBI criminal history, Central Registry, and any additional screenings required by Texas Child Care Licensing and Oak Hill United Methodist Church.
• Must complete all required licensing and church training, including Safe Gatherings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a related field.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or coursework in Early Childhood Education.
• Previous experience as a Lead Teacher in a licensed preschool or early childhood education program.
• Experience collaborating with families to support children's learning and development.

Join us in shaping the future by providing young children with a joyful and enriching preschool experience! This role offers an opportunity to grow professionally while making a lasting difference in children’s lives through dedicated teaching and compassionate care.

Pay: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person