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MISSION STATEMENT: St. Matthew’s Parent Toddler Program is a ministry of The Parish of St. Matthew, serving families who have children and infants age three and younger. Emphasizing the needs of both, we provide a setting in which young children and parents together can participate with other families in a supportive, educational, and enjoyable program.
The Parent-Toddler Lead Teacher serves as the classroom lead in the Parent Toddler Program providing a loving and nurturing classroom environment that supports children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Primary responsibilities
● The Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining the integrity and continuity of their class, setting the agenda for each class with the support of the Assistant Teacher, based on the guidelines and expectations set out in the Parent Manual, as well as setting the pace for each classroom activity.
● The Lead Teacher will meet individually with each family prior to the beginning of the program year, assessing the family needs and expectations and sharing program expectations.
● Develop a positive and trusting relationship with each parent and child
● Facilitates the Parent Discussion time during each class session, focusing on child development and parenting strategies
o During toddler sessions, the toddlers separate from their parents and are supervised by the Assistant Teacher for these conversations
o During infant sessions, parents remain with their children for the discussion
o The Lead Teacher follows up, as necessary, about issues that may have arisen in previous weeks
● Instructs and assists children and parents, during clean up and transition times, setting the pace
● During Covid stressing health guidelines for families to follow
● Helping to develop (as age appropriate) each child’s language skills and social skills as the children interact with other children, adults/parents developing their own relationships. This includes assisting the child to be able to wait-your-turn, by gently re-directing behavior; modeling appropriate behavior and using appropriate language.
● Assisting the Assistant Teacher in preparing the classroom and outdoor activity area for arrival of families in a developmentally appropriate
● Facilitate classroom clean up and outdoor play area, by instructing and assisting children and parents returning all toys, etc. to their respective places for the next class session
● Debrief with Assistant Teacher following each class session discussing observations regarding children, parents, and activities
● Attend monthly Parent Infant Toddler Faculty Meeting on the first Monday of the month October through May at 12:30 PM
● Communicate with the Director of Program Ministry, Missy Morain, regarding specific family issues that would be helpful for the parish and school to be aware of. These can include, but are not limited to, death, job-loss, illness, divorce, and new birth/adoptions.
● Consult with school admissions officers as requested
● Communicate effectively and maintain a positive rapport with children, parents, and colleagues in the St. Matthew’s community
● Demonstrate a positive attitude, appropriate level of flexibility, and dependability
● Uphold a strong code of confidentiality
● Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Degree in Early Childhood Education, MFT or LCSW preferred
● Classroom teaching experience, preferably in related field
● Classroom management skills necessary to ensure a safe, productive, and positive environment
● Strong desire to be part of a collaborative team
● Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
● Ability to work effectively, communicate, and collaborate in a team situation
All personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance, as well as complete trainings in sexual abuse misconduct prevention, mandated reporter, and first aid.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
St. Matthew’s Parish is an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, it is the Parish’s policy and practice to recruit, hire, train and promote employees without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, medical condition, age or other protected classifications.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The campus is located on over 28 acres and there are often meetings and events at different locations. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.