Good Shepherd Academy Early Childhood Teacher - Job Description Position Summary The Early Childhood Teacher at Good Shepherd Academy is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, structured, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for all scholars. Teachers support each child's social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, and academic development through intentional instruction, meaningful interactions, and play-based learning experiences. Teachers are expected to maintain high standards of professionalism, active supervision, classroom management, family communication, and compliance with all Good Shepherd Academy policies and applicable childcare licensing requirements. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Maintain active supervision of scholars at all times and ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans, learning centers, small-group experiences, and hands-on activities. Engage scholars in meaningful conversations, asking open-ended questions and encouraging back-and-forth interactions throughout the day. Promote early literacy, language development, mathematics, science, creative arts, social-emotional development, and motor skills. Read to scholars and provide opportunities for music, movement, art, dramatic play, sensory exploration, and outdoor learning. Establish and consistently follow classroom routines, schedules, and transitions. Use positive guidance, redirection, and age-appropriate behavior-management strategies. Support scholars in developing independence, self-regulation, problem-solving, and positive peer relationships. Assist scholars with meals, toileting, diapering, handwashing, rest periods, dressing, and other personal-care needs as appropriate for their age. Prepare and serve meals and snacks as assigned while following food-safety and sanitation requirements. Maintain accurate classroom documentation, including attendance, meals, diapering/toileting, rest periods, activities, observations, incidents, and other required records. Observe scholars and document developmental progress, behaviors, strengths, and areas where additional support may be needed. Maintain a clean, organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom. Clean and sanitize toys, classroom materials, surfaces, and learning areas according to required procedures. Ensure classroom materials are organized, accessible, age appropriate, and in good condition. Maintain learning centers and classroom displays that reflect current curriculum and scholar learning. Follow all health, safety, emergency, supervision, and licensing procedures. Communicate professionally and respectfully with families regarding their scholar's day, development, achievements, and classroom experiences. Work collaboratively with fellow teachers, administration, and support staff. Participate in staff meetings, professional development, required training, and school events. Accept coaching, feedback, and professional-development opportunities and demonstrate continuous improvement. Maintain confidentiality regarding scholars, families, and Good Shepherd Academy operations. Perform additional duties as assigned by school administration. Communication Skills Teachers must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with scholars, families, colleagues, and administration. Teachers should actively listen, communicate concerns appropriately, and model respectful and professional interactions. Patience, Care & Emotional Support Teachers are expected to maintain a calm, nurturing, and supportive approach when responding to challenging behaviors, emotional outbursts, or individual needs. Teachers should recognize children's emotions, help scholars identify and regulate their feelings, and build trusting relationships. Classroom Management & Positive Guidance Teachers will: Establish clear and consistent classroom expectations. Use positive reinforcement, redirection, modeling, and developmentally appropriate guidance. Teach conflict-resolution and social skills. Encourage independence and appropriate decision-making. Maintain consistent routines and expectations. Never use inappropriate, humiliating, threatening, or prohibited discipline practices. Creativity & Instruction Teachers should be able to develop engaging learning experiences that encourage curiosity, exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. Instruction should incorporate play-based and hands-on learning while supporting developmental and academic goals. Health, Safety & Supervision Teachers are responsible for maintaining a safe environment and following all Good Shepherd Academy health and safety procedures. Staff must demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures, classroom safety, sanitation, illness procedures, and active supervision requirements. Any accident, injury, suspected abuse or neglect, safety concern, or unusual incident must be immediately reported according to Academy procedures and applicable reporting requirements. Teamwork & Professionalism Teachers are expected to: Work cooperatively with co-teachers, administrators, and support staff. Maintain professional communication and conduct. Arrive on time and maintain dependable attendance. Follow the established chain of command. Complete assigned responsibilities within required deadlines. Receive feedback professionally and implement requested improvements. Support school-wide goals, events, and initiatives. Maintain professional boundaries with scholars and families. Adaptability & Flexibility Teachers must be able to respond appropriately to changing classroom needs, enrollment, schedules, staffing assignments, and individual scholar needs. Teachers may be asked to assist in other classrooms or areas of the Academy when necessary to maintain safe and effective operations. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED required. Must meet all applicable state childcare licensing requirements for the position. Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe. Current Food Handler certification, when required for assigned duties. Ability to successfully complete required background checks and employment eligibility requirements. Completion of all required pre-service and annual professional-development training. Reliable transportation and dependable attendance. Ability to safely perform the physical responsibilities associated with caring for and supervising young children. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience working in an early childhood, preschool, or educational setting. Child Development Associate (CDA), college coursework, or degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices, positive guidance, classroom management, and early childhood curriculum. Professional Expectations Employment at Good Shepherd Academy requires a commitment to providing scholars with a safe, nurturing, engaging, and high-quality educational experience. Every team member is expected to contribute positively to the Academy's culture and demonstrate professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Employee Acknowledgment I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the Good Shepherd Academy Early Childhood Teacher Job Description. I understand the responsibilities and expectations associated with my position and understand that duties may be modified based on the needs of the Academy.

Job Types:

Full-time, Part-time Pay:

$14.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount

License/Certification:

CPR Certification (Preferred) Food Handler Certification (Preferred) Shift availability: Day Shift (Preferred) Night Shift (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Richardson, TX 75080 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Richardson, TX 75080: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person