Preschool Teacher job description template
Preschool teachers run the classroom day to day: planning activities, guiding behavior and getting children ready for kindergarten. The best posts name the classroom you're hiring for, your class size and approach, and the credentials your state requires, so qualified teachers can tell right away if they fit.
Preschool Teacher
Full-timeYour Company is hiring a warm, organized preschool teacher to lead one of our classrooms. You'll plan play-based lessons, keep children safe and engaged, and partner with parents to support each child's growth. We work as a close team, with a supportive director, manageable class sizes and time set aside for planning. If you love watching children discover something new, we'd like to meet you.
What you’ll do
- Plan and lead play-based activities in early literacy, math, art, music and outdoor play
- Supervise children at all times and keep ratios as required by our state's licensing rules
- Set up a clean, safe classroom with learning centers that change through the year
- Guide behavior with positive, consistent strategies and help children work through conflicts
- Observe and document each child's progress, and share it with parents at conferences
- Direct the classroom assistant and share lesson plans so the day runs smoothly
- Follow meal, naptime, health and safety routines and keep required records up to date
What we’re looking for
- Experience teaching or caring for preschoolers in a group setting
- Education or credentials required by our state's licensing rules, such as a CDA Credential
- Able to pass a state background check and fingerprinting before your start date
- Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to get certified soon after hire
- Able to sit on the floor, kneel, lift children and move quickly to keep everyone safe
- Patient, clear communication with children, parents and coworkers
Nice to have
- Associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field
- Experience with a curriculum or approach such as Creative Curriculum, HighScope or Montessori
- Speaks a second language used by children and parents in our program
Schedule
Full-time, Monday through Friday, with shifts that cover our opening or closing hours. A few evening events each year, such as parent conferences and open houses.
What we offer
- Paid time off, plus paid holidays when the center is closed
- Staff discount on childcare tuition
- Paid planning time each week
- Paid training and help earning your CDA Credential or continuing education hours
Add your pay, location and schedule when you post. Jobs that show pay get noticeably more applicants.
Preschool Teacher our company is hiring a warm, organized preschool teacher to lead one of our classrooms. You'll plan play-based lessons, keep children safe and engaged, and partner with parents to support each child's growth. We work as a close team, with a supportive director, manageable class sizes and time set aside for planning. If you love watching children discover something new, we'd like to meet you. What you’ll do • Plan and lead play-based activities in early literacy, math, art, music and outdoor play • Supervise children at all times and keep ratios as required by our state's licensing rules • Set up a clean, safe classroom with learning centers that change through the year • Guide behavior with positive, consistent strategies and help children work through conflicts • Observe and document each child's progress, and share it with parents at conferences • Direct the classroom assistant and share lesson plans so the day runs smoothly • Follow meal, naptime, health and safety routines and keep required records up to date What we’re looking for • Experience teaching or caring for preschoolers in a group setting • Education or credentials required by our state's licensing rules, such as a CDA Credential • Able to pass a state background check and fingerprinting before your start date • Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to get certified soon after hire • Able to sit on the floor, kneel, lift children and move quickly to keep everyone safe • Patient, clear communication with children, parents and coworkers Nice to have • Associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field • Experience with a curriculum or approach such as Creative Curriculum, HighScope or Montessori • Speaks a second language used by children and parents in our program Schedule Full-time, Monday through Friday, with shifts that cover our opening or closing hours. A few evening events each year, such as parent conferences and open houses. What we offer • Paid time off, plus paid holidays when the center is closed • Staff discount on childcare tuition • Paid planning time each week • Paid training and help earning your CDA Credential or continuing education hours
Screening questions for a preschool teacher
Ask these on the application form to sort applicants quickly. They’re added automatically when you post this template.
- Are you willing to complete a state background check and fingerprinting before you start?Yes / No · required
- What early childhood credentials or education do you have, such as a CDA Credential or ECE degree?Short answer · required
- Describe a favorite activity you've led with preschoolers and what the children learned from it.Paragraph
Preschool Teacher interview questions
- Walk me through how you'd plan a week of activities around something the children are curious about.
- A child keeps hitting classmates during circle time. How do you respond in the moment and afterward?
- How do you set up your classroom so children can play and learn on their own?
- How do you track each child's development, and how do you share it with parents?
- A parent at pickup is upset that their child came home with a scratch. How do you handle that conversation?
- How do you work with a classroom assistant so you're both clear on who's doing what?
- Tell me about a child who struggled with drop-off or transitions. What helped?
Tips for hiring a preschool teacher
- Check your state's licensing rules for lead teacher qualifications before you post, and list them clearly so applicants know whether they qualify.
- Invite finalists for a short paid observation in the classroom. Watch how they talk with children, manage transitions and keep the group engaged.
- Call at least two references, ideally directors or lead teachers who saw the candidate with children every day.
- Share your post with early childhood programs at nearby community colleges and with your local child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agency.