Preschool Teacher (3yr-5yr)

Job Title: PreSchool Teacher, 3-5 Year Old Classroom

Reports to: Lower School Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt / Salaried

Employment Status: 10 months / Full-time, 40 hours per week

About Chattanooga Christian School:

Chattanooga Christian School (CCS) is a Christian, interdenominational, co-educational, day school nestled on 55+ acres at the foot of Lookout Mountain. CCS has been serving Christian families in the Chattanooga area since 1970 and currently enrolls 1,550+ students in the Lower School (Preschool -5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12). We believe the truth of scripture provides the framework through which all of reality can be understood. In concert with all other areas of school life, our academic program prepares students to grow as lovers of God who seek truth, serve others, and steward creation and culture. We are committed to providing an environment that meets each student at their unique point of need and equips them for pursuit of their full, God-given potential. We seek candidates who are committed to the development and discipleship of the whole child, both within and outside of the classroom. Our mission is to prepare students to lead and serve with distinction while representing Christ and seeking his Kingdom in all areas of home, church, society, and culture.

Why join the team at CCS?

At CCS, we are committed to providing a Christ-centered, nurturing environment where academic excellence and spiritual growth go hand in hand. We strive to foster a learning atmosphere where students are encouraged to develop a strong moral foundation, cultivate character, and deepen their faith in Christ. Our faculty and staff are not only enthusiastic about education but also about modeling Christlike behavior, building a strong community of faith, and inspiring students to live out their Christian Values. CCS is dedicated to partnering with families in raising the next generation of leaders who are equipped to serve Christ and make a positive impact in the world.

Compensation & Benefits:

At CCS, we are dedicated to offering a compensation and benefits package that supports the well-being of all our employees. For full-time, benefit-eligible employees, we provide a comprehensive suite of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions. Full-time employees also receive paid time off for illness, and personal needs.

For part-time employees, while benefits may differ, we are committed to offering competitive compensation and providing access to certain benefits where eligible. Part-time employees may have access to some benefits such as paid time off and retirement plan options, depending on their role and hours worked. Our goal is to ensure all employees are supported and valued within their respective roles.

Position Overview:

To serve Christ and His Kingdom by cultivating a safe, joy-filled, and nurturing environment where children are cherished as image-bearers. This role shepherds young learners through key developmental milestones, fostering creative play and curiosity while partnering with families to lay a foundation of love, security, and learning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Missional Care & Instruction

• Cultivate a sanctuary of safety and joy, maintaining a clean, nurturing environment where children feel secure to explore and grow.
• Collaborate with the PreSchool team to design and deliver developmentally rich lessons that honor the unique pace and needs of every child.
• Ignite imagination and wonder by fostering an environment of creative play, allowing children to discover the world God made.
• Shepherd children toward independence, patiently guiding them in self-care routines and bathroom habits with dignity, grace, and consistency.
• Utilize diverse instructional strategies to engage young hearts and minds, monitoring each child's progress to ensure their specific needs are met.
• Lead and mentor the classroom team, working alongside the paraprofessional to model Christ-like service in daily teaching and evaluation.

Partnership & Stewardship

• Partner with parents as allies, promoting clear, gracious communication regarding the child's daily experiences and growth.
• Celebrate development by holding conferences with parents to discuss the child's milestones and unique design.
• Diligently maintain safety and compliance, strictly adhering to protocols from governing agencies to protect the children entrusted to your care.
• Serve with a willing heart, fulfilling other duties as assigned to support the broader mission of the school.

QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES:

• A vibrant, living faith in Jesus Christ, evidenced by a wholehearted commitment to the mission of Chattanooga Christian School.
• Academic foundation, possessing a High School diploma (required), with a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in early childhood development/education preferred.
• Commitment to professional growth, with eligibility and willingness to pursue specialized coursework to become a credentialed early childhood educator.
• A heart for young children, with at least 3 years of experience and a deep knowledge of early childhood development.
• Compassion for diverse needs, with experience serving children with developmental disabilities in an inclusive setting.
• Organizational stewardship, skilled in managing the classroom environment with order and peace.
• A collaborative spirit, working harmoniously with the team of early childhood educators.
• Creative problem-solving, able to think quickly and adapt to the dynamic needs of the classroom.
• Trustworthiness and wisdom, stewarding sensitive child and family matters with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Active engagement: This role requires the ability to stand for long periods and walk periodically throughout the day to actively supervise and engage with children.
• Physical care: The employee must be able to lift children on and off a toilet and assist with physical needs.
• Mobility: This role requires reaching, lifting, pulling, pushing, and crouching to interact with children at their eye level.
• Strength: The position requires the ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Employment Disclaimer:

Please note that employment at CCS is contingent on successfully passing a fingerprint-based background check. In addition, all employees are required in good faith to agree with each statement made in the CCS Statement of Faith.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Chattanooga Christian School is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.