Lead Preschool Teacher (Part-Time/25hrs Weekly)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking a caring, engaging, and reliable part-time Lead Preschool Teacher to join the Early Childhood Team. This position will be responsible for the care of children, supervision of staff and lead daily operations in the classroom at the year-round Fairlington Creative Preschoolers Program and Little Explorers Camp. This program serves a diverse audience of up to 24 preschool children, from three to five years of age, including children who may have disabilities.

The Creative Preschooler’s program consists of two class sessions: Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some children may be enrolled in both sessions, depending on availability and interest. This is a year-round program, featuring a structured preschool curriculum during the academic year (September through May) and a Summer Camp program during the summer months. The Summer Camp runs for 8 weeks from June through August, and families have the flexibility to enroll their children in some or all weeks of the camp.

Specific duties include:

• Planning, organizing, and implementing daily activities in accordance with pre-established curriculum;

• Supervising, directing, teaching and actively participating in daily preschool activities at the assigned center;

• Evaluating programs and activities seasonally both onsite and sites county-wide; 

• Recording and reporting children's progress to parents and preparing semi-annual child evaluations;

• Enforcing federal, state, and local policies, procedures, rules, and administrative regulations;

• Performing administrative duties including, monitoring the operational supply budget, ordering supplies, preparing attendance reports, and providing text for calendars and fliers; and

• Supervising program staff at the assigned center.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate with parents and children;

• Problem solving and supervision skills for staff, volunteers, and parents;

• Effective and efficient program management experience;

• Experience monitoring compliance with policies and procedures; and

• Supervisory skills that promote an open and effective team environment.

Minimum: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field; and

• Some experience as a teacher/teaching assistant in a preschool or day care environment - OR - in a job related to the care of preschool age children.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Assessing needs of preschool age children, supervising programs/activities, and training staff;

• Developing and maintaining relationships with parent groups or community organizations; 

• Working with a culturally diverse population; 

• Working knowledge of Arlington County and Virginia Department of Social Services State licensing regulations; and

• CPR/First Aid/MAT Certifications or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

Special Requirements

Please attach a resume to this application. 

This supervisor is required to:

• CPR & First Aid Certification: Must possess or able to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• MAT Certification: Must possess or able to obtain within 90 days of hire.

• TB Screening: Must provide negative TB results or submit to a TB screening at time of hire. 

• Attend monthly preschool teacher meetings and 16 hours of training a year. 

Travel: This position requires travel throughout the County. Applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid Driver License, or the applicant must have the ability to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties at other Arlington locations.  Any offer of employment may be contingent on a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Work involves stooping and bending while working with groups of young children indoors and outdoors.

Additional Information

Work Hours: This is a year-round, permanent pa