About Malone Center

Since 1955, Malone has served neighboring families, youth, and the Lincoln community with inclusive, social, cultural, educational, employment and welfare services. With our active support against poverty and our vision to create unity and a prosperity consciousness in Lincoln, we are constantly re-evaluating our programs to ensure the current needs of the community are being met.

We are seeking a caring and enthusiastic Preschool Classroom Teacher to nurture and support the development of young children. The ideal candidate will create a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment while planning age-appropriate lessons that promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Responsibilities include supervising children, fostering positive relationships, and communicating effectively with parents and staff. A passion for early childhood education and a commitment to helping children learn through play are essential.

Position Summary:

The Classroom Teacher is responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Teachers must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Teacher must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and resolve parental concerns. The Classroom Teacher will work with Lead Teacher to ensure the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets children's individual needs as well as program standards of Malone, the Nebraska Department of Education, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Essential Job Functions

Champion the Malone Center mission and vision in all engagements and interactions, both internal and external to the organization. Child Development Observe, assess, and document each child’s skills, behavior, growth, and development. Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success. Develop and individualized educational plan for each child. Bring to attention those children with special needs. Coordinate referrals to EDN for children with special needs or mental health needs with the Lead Teacher. Contribute to and participate in child and family reviews, Mental Health staffing, and/or Individualized Education Plans/Individualized Family Service Plans. Assist the child and family as the child transitions from the younger preschool classroom to the older preschool classroom and from the preschool program to kindergarten. Foster positive relationships with all children in the classroom. Classroom Management Develop and maintain an attractive and stimulating learning environment and encourage children’s independence and self-selection of activities. Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times. Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy classroom environment. Utilize Positive Behavior Supports and Touchpoints strategies. Curriculum Assist Lead Teacher with the planning and implementation of appropriate classroom activities that will enhance language and literacy development, (2) cognition and general knowledge, (3) approaches toward learning, (4) physical well-being and motor development, and (5) social and emotional development of each child. Assist Lead Teacher in interpreting and analyzing assessment results and utilize data to plan individual and classroom experiences as well as intentionally sharing information with families. Assist Lead Teacher in developing lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes for children and implement them intentionally. Assist in integrating other areas; i.e., health/physical activity, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, transition, safety, and parent involvement into the education plan. Assist Lead Teacher in creating documentation panels on a regular basis to make the learning that the children are experiencing visible to parents and visitors. Parent Involvement Regularly meet with parents about their child’s progress, including at least two Parent/Staff Conferences each year with assistance from Lead Teacher. Encourage parent participation in program activities and in implementing education activities for their children at home and in the community. Communicate with parents (informal conversations, newsletters, personal notes) regarding their child’s involvement in the classroom activities and progress towards learning objectives. Supervision/Administration Participate in regular reflective supervision with the Mentor Teacher. Participate in ongoing professional development (including peer learning activities). Collaboratively implement and participate in a coach process with the Mentor Teacher to promote high quality instruction. Support the implementation of new strategies gained through learning. Provide leadership for the classroom team (e.g., plan for and lead team planning sessions, monitor teammates observation notes and appropriate goal identification, advocate for and support Best Practices in the classroom). Supervise student teachers, practicum students, and volunteers, as needed. Serve as a mentor/model to Associate Teacher and Teacher Aide. Delegate responsibilities to the Associate Teacher and Teacher Aide. Maintain confidentiality regarding each child and family. Maintain daily attendance and CACFP food counts. Utilize Brightwheel online parent and teacher portal for parent communication and tracking of child attendance. Ensure timely completion of necessary paperwork, including developmental assessments, lesson plans, newsletters, incident reports, etc. Participate in the interviewing process of Associate Teachers and Teacher Aides. Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education preferred Child Development Associates (CDA). Minimum two years of early childhood experience in a group setting preferred. Demonstrated experience serving children and families from marginalized communities. Ability to develop rapport with diverse populations.

Required Qualifications

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Attend all mandatory trainings. Ability to pass a preemployment background check. Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record. Demonstrated experience with children. Professional appearance when representing the Malone Center. Knowledge of the food and childcare subsidy program. CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within first 30 days of employment. Food Handlers Permit or ability to obtain within first 30 days of employment. Complete “Safe Kids Buckle Up” program within first 60 days of employment. Complete Child Care Health and Safety training within first 90 days of employment. Complete “Safe with You” training within first 90 days of employment. The pay range for this role is:18 - 20 USD per hour(Main)