POSITION SUMMARY JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Position Overview
- Under the direction of the Elementary Dean of Academics, the Junior Kindergarten Teacher is responsible for the planning, assessment, execution, and reporting for the Junior Kindergarten Program
- The Junior Kindergarten Teacher fulfills their duties, aware that they are, above all, an apostle of Christ, especially with a testimony of faith, virtuous personal life, and professional dedication to the mission entrusted to them within the school.
As a Junior Kindergarten Teacher, you will play a crucial role in the development and education of young children. Your primary responsibility is to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment that fosters children's physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. Below is a detailed list of specific responsibilities for this role, aligned with the principles of Alberta's Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Principles of a Regnum Christi School.
Curriculum Planning and Implementation:
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Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities aligned with the Alberta Early Learning and Child Care curriculum framework, preparing students for entry into the Clear Water Academy Kindergarten program.
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Integrate a variety of teaching methods to address different learning styles and developmental levels.
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Incorporate play-based learning and hands-on activities to promote cognitive and social development.
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Integrate Catholic faith-based teachings and values into the daily curriculum and acivities.
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Encourage children to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through exploration and inquiry-based learning.
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Integrate appropriate technology to enhance learning and engage children in meaningful ways,
Classroom Management:
- Maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment where all children feel valued and respected.
- Implement effective classroom management strategies to ensure a safe, orderly learning environment.
- Monitor and support children's behaviour, providing guidance and redirection as needed.
- Promote and model positive character traits such as respect, responsibility, kindness, and integrity.
- Foster a collaborative learning environment where children learn from each other through group activities and peer interactions.
Child Development and Assessment:
- Observe and assess children's development and learning progress regularly. `
- Document children's growth and learning milestones through detailed records and portfolios.
- Complete individualized reports.
- Use assessment data to inform instruction and tailor learning experiences to meet the needs of each child.
- Develop and implement Individual Program Plans (IPPs) for children with identified needs, collaborating with parents, caregivers, and specialists.
Family and Community Engagement:
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with parents and caregivers.
- Communicate regularly with families about their child's progress, development, and any concerns.
- Plan and conduct parent-teacher conferences, orientations, Curriculum Night, Celebration of Learning, and other family engagement activities.
- Actively engage with the broader school community and build strong relationships with families to support children's learning and development.
Health and Safety:
- Ensure the physical safety and well-being of all children in the classroom.
- Follow health and safety protocols, including proper hygiene practices and emergency procedures.
- Administer basic first aid as needed and maintain current CPR and First Aid certification.
- Promote physical well-being through regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.
Professional Development:
- Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in early childhood education and the Principles of a Regnum Christi School.
- Collaborate with colleagues to share resources, strategies, and support.
- Reflect on teaching practices and seek continuous improvement through reflective practice.
Classroom Environment:
- Create a welcoming and engaging classroom environment with diverse and developmentally appropriate materials.
- Organize and maintain a clean and orderly classroom space.
- Rotate and update classroom materials and displays to reflect current learning themes and children's interests.
Inclusivity and Diversity:
- Promote an inclusive classroom culture that respects and values diversity.
- Adapt teaching methods and materials to accommodate children with diverse needs and backgrounds.
- Implement inclusive education practices to support children with special needs or learning differences.
- Recognize and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of children and incorporate culturally relevant materials and activities that are in keeping with the Catholic Faith and the
Principles of a Regnum Christi School.
Holistic Development:
- Support the holistic development of children by addressing their physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual needs.
- Support the development of children's emotional intelligence by teaching them to recognize and manage their emotions.
Collaboration and Teamwork:
- Work collaboratively with other teachers, staff, and administrators to support the overall goals of the early childhood program.
- Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and school events.
- Contribute to a positive and supportive team environment.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, you will help create a strong foundation for children's future learning and development, ensuring they are well-prepared for their educational journey. This comprehensive approach aligns with the principles of Alberta's Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Principles of a Regnum Christi School, fostering a well-rounded and enriching early childhood education experience.
Desired Qualifications
The Junior Kindergarten Teacher should meet the following qualifications:
- Bachelor of Education in Education with Early Childhood Focus or Bachelor of Child Studies (Early Learning and Child Care) [preferred]; Early Learning and Child Care Diploma [second preferred]; or Early Learning and Child Care Certificate.
- Minimum two years of experience working in a childcare setting with some direct experience in a teaching role.
- In-depth understanding and coursework in Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Traditional learning principles.
- Familiarity with Alberta's Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum Framework.
- Proficiency in using technology and digital tools to enhance teaching and classroom communication, learning, and reporting.
- Excellent classroom management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage with children, parents, and colleagues.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team.
- Proven commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Practicing Catholic and formator with an excellent moral reputation, and apostolic zeal for working for the Church, whose vocation is to serve and lead others.
