Human Resources

Muskingum University seeks a Lead Preschool Teacher for its Center for Child Development.  Muskingum’s Center for Child Development operates as a lab school, providing the successful candidate an additional opportunity to work with university students as they observe and work with children.  This position is the primary teacher for preschool or school-age children and leads the development, modification, and implementation of appropriate programming for children, parents, and university students.  This position is a 10-month position.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Interaction between Faculty and Children

• Be punctual and reliable in attending daily work and events, such as conferences, staff meetings, preschool graduation, and parent/teacher conferences.  Greet children and families during arrival, observing children for signs of illness and keeping accurate attendance.
• Enhance children’s play with language, toys, and activities while observing and respecting their interests.
• Communicate directly with each child at the child’s level and using proper grammar.
• Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines.
• Encourage and model appropriate social behavior, acknowledging feelings with sensitivity and an appropriate expression of emotion.  This will include provision of nurture while helping children become independent.
• Use consistent techniques to help children control behavior through a positive and appropriate approach.
• Prepare snacks for the children and sit with them while they eat.
• Keep the classroom, storage rooms, and bathroom clean, neat, and orderly.
• Write and send home regular Parent Newsletters.
• Handle discipline promptly and in accordance with stated policy on discipline.

Curriculum

• Develop and implement Creative Curriculum into daily lesson plans according to Ohio’s Early Learning Content standards established by the Ohio Department of Education.
• Plan and post materials to be used in weekly lesson plans.

• Use theme-related arts, crafts, and other activities, group games, etc. and provide guidance and assistance with special projects as needed.  help the children learn proper social skills. Attend 10 hours of approved training for Step Up to Quality annually.
• Provide testing and documentation for grant reports in a timely manner.
• Limit use of television in classroom setting.  On a limited basis, integrate TV programs that are directly tied to the curriculum.

Parent Interactions

• Acknowledge all parents and classroom visitors. Demonstrating a friendly, courteous, and professional demeanor to all parents.
• Share parent concerns with the Director and, when appropriate, respond to all parent concerns and comments with sensitivity, interest, and respect.
• Maintain privacy.
• Communicate with parents daily.
• Share a child’s activities with their parents.
• Maintain networking with other childcare professionals, referring parents to specialists, as necessary.
• Maintain daily sign-in book in an orderly fashion

Teamwork

• Establish and maintain a relationship of cooperation and respect with co-workers.
• Develop a cooperative and supportive attitude within the room.
• Demonstrate initiative.
• Ensure that daily responsibilities are completed.
• Offer and share ideas and materials with co-workers.
• Organize parties, programs, and any other special activities throughout the year.
• Write any “Thank You” notes or proper acknowledgements needed for donations, volunteers etc.
• Inventory equipment and supplies and replace as needed
• Create a welcoming environment for new staff members.
• Support organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies to parents, co-workers, and community.
• Report to work regularly and on time.
• Notify the Director to arrange for substitutes when unable to work on days in advance when possible.
• Respect and adhere to staffing schedules, which may be adjusted as program needs change.
• Continue professional growth by attending workshops and other professional development opportunities.
• Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly.
• Maintain privacy.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the Director or Faculty Administrator.
• During each year, lead teacher is required to participate in the following events:
  • Clean-up sessions-twice a year                    Fundraisers-Potluck
  • Regular staff meetings-monthly                     Preschool Graduation-May
  • Parent Conferences-twice a year                  Fall Open House-August

Additional Classroom Duties

• Maintain portfolios, lesson plans, testing, and grant records, for each child.
• Request new equipment and supplies from the Director in a timely manner.
• Keep classroom clean and organized.
• Evaluate lab students.
• Delegate duties to practicum students.

The above statements reflect the general duties and responsibilities necessary to describe the major functions of the position and should not be considered a complete description of the essential functions of the position. This Job Description is not intended to be all inclusive.  The employee will be assigned by the immediate supervisor to perform other duties as needed or to perform other reasonable related duties, including special projects.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Have the following forms on file to meet federal, as well as individual state requirements (i.e. Medical Statement, Rules Review Statement, Confidentiality Statement,  Communicable Disease, First Aid & Safety, CPR (infant, toddler, and adult)d, Child Abuse & Prevention, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation Criminal Background Check, (BCI  & FBI Fingerprints), Copy of Personal Resume, State of  Ohio Department of Education Teaching License, College Transcripts, High School Diploma (or highest level of completed schooling), and maintain credentials for the position (i.e. ongoing training & renewal)
• Demonstrate knowledge and practice of child development.
• Demonstrate experience and skill in communication, leadership, and organization.

HOW TO APPLY

• Applications must include a letter of interest, a resume, and 3 professional references and should be sent by email to careers@muskingum.edu or fax to 740-826-6131.  Please include the position title in the subject line of your correspondence.  This position will remain open until filled, with review of candidates to begin immediately.
• Muskingum University actively seeks out and welcomes administrators and staff who are committed to excellence in student learning, consider the engagement of diverse communities in the University’s educational programs and activities, and are committed to full inclusivity at the University.  As an equal opportunity employer, Muskingum welcomes applications from individuals from populations, which have been historically underrepresented in higher education and/or have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Muskingum University does not discriminate in its employment or educational programs or activities.  Please visit https://www.muskingum.edu/non-discrimination-statement to review the university’s official non-discrimination statement.