Preschool Teacher for 2026-2027 School Year

Job Summary
Watkins Preschool & Early Learning Center is seeking a passionate and dedicated Preschool Teacher for the 2026–2027 academic year to join our warm, faith-centered, and community-driven environment. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to inspire and nurture young learners during their most important developmental years through hands-on, play-based learning experiences.

At Watkins, we pride ourselves on creating a positive, engaging atmosphere where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. The ideal candidate will bring enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine love for early childhood education, while fostering curiosity, social-emotional growth, and kindergarten readiness. This individual will also value strong communication with families and collaboration with our team, helping to build the strong sense of community that makes Watkins so special.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum that aligns with Kentucky Early Childhood Standards (KY ECS)
• Create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that support key developmental domains:
• Social and Emotional Development
• Cognitive Development and General Knowledge
• Approaches to Learning
• Language and Communication Development
• Physical Development and Health
• Design engaging learning centers (blocks, dramatic play, sensory, art, literacy, and math) that promote exploration, creativity, and problem-solving
• Foster a classroom environment where children actively learn through play, discovery, and interaction with their peers and surroundings
• Support social-emotional growth by modeling kindness, patience, and positive communication
• Use positive guidance strategies to help children develop self-regulation and appropriate behavior
• Observe, document, and assess children’s progress in alignment with KY ECS developmental benchmarks
• Differentiate instruction to meet the unique needs, interests, and developmental levels of each child
• Incorporate hands-on learning daily through sensory play, art, music, movement, and outdoor exploration
• Maintain a balanced daily schedule that includes structured play, guided learning, and child-led exploration
• Integrate faith-based values through kindness, respect, gratitude, and age-appropriate teachings
• Build strong partnerships with families through consistent, positive communication and shared support of each child’s development
• Ensure the classroom environment meets all health, safety, and state licensing regulations
• Collaborate with fellow teachers and administration to maintain a cohesive and supportive school community

Requirements

• Experience working with children in a preschool or early childhood setting
• High School Diploma/CDA or Higher
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn Kentucky Early Childhood Standards
• Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate, play-based practices
• Passion for hands-on, experiential learning
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Patient, nurturing, and enthusiastic approach to teaching
• Ability to create a structured yet flexible classroom environment that supports exploration and growth

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person