Lead Teacher

Overview:

Kinderhaus seeks a certified early childhood educator to teach alongside a co-lead in a nature-based, Waldorf-inspired preschool classroom in Decorah, Iowa. This role enacts the Kinderhaus philosophy described below and carries the primary responsibility for maintaining compliance with the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program with administrative time built in to do so. Kinderhaus also employs Luther work study classroom assistants to support this role and keep classroom ratios well below state requirements.

Scheduled Hours:

Monday-Thursday 7:30am-12:30pm (*some flexibility)
Weekly staff meeting Fridays 9:00-10:00
Attendance at additional community events throughout the year

Requirements:

18 years old
Current State of Iowa teaching license with an early childhood endorsement
Pass required state and federal background checks
Complete required trainings within required timelines after hire

Responsibilities:

Supervise children outside and inside, including assisting with toileting
Cooperate and communicate respectfully with all staff, parents, and board members
Comply with all DHS, QRS, SVPP requirements
Create and implement weekly lesson plans
Select, learn, and participate in seasonal songs and verse
Implement Creative Curriculum
Communicate and build relationships with families, including conducting parent-teacher conferences twice a year
Maintain indoor and outdoor classroom spaces
Serve as on site supervisor when needed

The Kinderhaus Philosophy:

Adults at Kinderhaus support the whole human development of every child in our care by striving toward creating an early childhood environment inspired by Waldorf education philosophy and European outdoor kindergarten. In working toward this goal, adults at Kinderhaus provide consistency with a warm, nurturing adult presence in a calm and safe environment. Adults engage in meaningful work while children play and explore in nature and with natural and imaginative toys during story, play, project, and songs. Children are allowed freedom and exploration with trust while adults provide necessary supervision for emotional and physical safety. Staff promote respect and peaceful cooperation between all individuals present: staff, parents, volunteers, and children. Adults use positive modeling rather than correction or discipline and focus adult interventions on ensuring children are and feel safe, thus encouraging freedom within form.