Early Childhood Teacher

Description

Position Objective

St. John LaLande Catholic School in Blue Springs, Missouri is seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Teacher to nurture the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development of young children in a Christ-centered learning environment. The teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate instruction, fostering curiosity and a love of learning, and creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom where every child is valued for their God-given dignity and potential.

The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education and committed to partnering with families to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning, faith, and personal growth. The teacher serves as a witness to the Catholic faith and supports the mission of Catholic education through daily interactions, classroom instruction, and the modeling of Christian virtues.

Essential Duties

· Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities that promote cognitive, language, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development.

· Integrate Catholic faith, prayer, Scripture, and Christian values into daily classroom routines and learning experiences.

· Establish a welcoming, structured, and nurturing classroom environment that encourages exploration, creativity, independence, and a love of learning.

· Observe, assess, and document children's progress to identify developmental needs and guide instructional planning.

· Adapt teaching strategies, materials, and activities to support individual learning styles, developmental levels, and diverse student needs.

· Promote positive behavior, self-regulation, problem-solving, and respectful relationships through consistent, age-appropriate guidance rooted in Catholic values.

· Build strong, collaborative relationships with families through regular communication about student progress, classroom experiences, and developmental concerns.

· Collaborate with classroom aides, specialists, and other school personnel to support student learning, inclusion, and overall well-being.

· Maintain accurate student records, assessment documentation, attendance, and other required classroom information.

· Supervise and monitor students at all times, including during classroom activities, transitions, meals, playground time, and school events, ensuring their safety and well-being.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom that supports meaningful learning and complies with applicable health, safety, and licensing requirements.

· Participate in parent conferences, staff meetings, professional development, school events, and other activities that support the school's mission and educational goals.

· Follow school policies, diocesan guidelines, safe environment requirements, and applicable regulations governing early childhood education.

· Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, confidentiality, flexibility, and a spirit of cooperation in working with students, families, and colleagues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.

· Ability to plan engaging learning experiences that support the whole child, including academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth.

· Strong classroom management skills and the ability to establish clear, consistent, and age-appropriate expectations.

· Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

· Ability to recognize individual student needs and adapt instruction to support diverse developmental levels and learning styles.

· Commitment to creating an inclusive classroom environment that respects the dignity of every child.

· Ability to exercise patience, creativity, sound judgment, and professionalism in a dynamic classroom setting.

· Commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church and the integration of faith into daily teaching and relationships.

· Ability to maintain accurate records, protect confidential information, and comply with school policies and regulatory requirements.

· Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and faith formation.

Basic Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field, as appropriate to the teaching assignment.

· Valid Missouri teaching certificate or other applicable early childhood credential, as required for the position.

· Experience working with young children in a preschool, early childhood center, or school setting preferred.

· Practicing Catholic preferred, with a demonstrated commitment to supporting and advancing the mission of Catholic education.

· Ability to meet applicable state licensing, health, and safety requirements for early childhood educators.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403b plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous Vacation and Sick leaves, plus paid Holidays.

Requirements

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person trainings prior to hire.