Lead Teacher/Assistant Director

Job Description: Lead Teacher/Assistant Director

Merri-Loo Community Preschool

About Us: Merri-Loo Community Preschool is a cherished nonprofit institution that has been a cornerstone of the Goffstown community and neighboring towns for nearly 60 years. As a cooperative preschool, we are supported by a dedicated community of parents who actively participate and contribute to the school's daily operations and success. We are dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education in a nurturing and supportive environment. 

Position overview: We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Lead Teacher/Assistant Director to join our team at Merri-Loo Community Preschool. In this vital role, you will support the Director in managing the day-to-day operations of the preschool and fostering strong relationships with families and the community. The Assistant Director will play a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of our preschool, contributing to both the educational success of our students and the overall growth of our organization.

Position Type: Part-Time, 30 Hours/Week during School Year, additional Summer Hours required.
Salary: $23-28 per hour with opportunities for bonus structure based on performance and enrollment.
Sign-On Bonus Available for qualifying candidate 

Benefits: Paid school vacation days and Federal Holidays. Professional development opportunities provided.

Hours and Job Requirements: Serve as the co-lead teacher in either the Nursery classroom Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am- 1:00pm or the Pre-K classroom Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:00am-2:00pm during school year. The school calendar runs from September to May, with a potential extension to align with the Goffstown School District calendar for 2025-2026 school year. Summer hours are also required for classroom setup and breakdown, as well as for supporting three weeks of summer camp.

Contract Duration: Annual Contracts with immediate start date possible.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Support and Leadership:

• Assist in Daily Operations:
  • Support the Director in overseeing the daily operations of the preschool, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for all students.
  • Manage administrative tasks including registering, attendance tracking, and communication with families.
  • Help maintain compliance with state licensing regulations and school policies.
  • Step in as the acting Director in the Director's absence, taking on full responsibility for the school's operations and decision-making.
  • Participate in fundraising activities to support the financial sustainability and growth of the preschool.
  • Conduct oneself in a professional manner inside the school and within the community.
• Family and Community Engagement:
  • Maintain regular communication with families regarding school updates, events, and student progress.
  • Manage and update the school’s social media platforms to ensure timely and accurate information is shared with the community.
  • Develop newsletters, emails, and other communication materials to keep families informed and engaged in their children’s education.
  • Collaborate with the Director and Board of Director to plan and execute community events, fundraisers, and open houses, enhancing the school’s visibility and community involvement.

Teaching Responsibilities:

• Lead Classroom Instruction:
  • Serve as a lead teacher in either the nursery or Pre-K classroom, delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate lessons that meet the needs of all students. Serve as an assistant teacher alternatively. 
  • Plan, prepare, and execute a curriculum that fosters the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of the children.
  • Conduct regular assessments of student progress, providing constructive feedback to families and adjusting teaching strategies as needed.
• Classroom Management:
  • Create and maintain a positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that encourages exploration, learning, and collaboration among students.
  • Implement classroom routines and procedures that support effective learning and maintain a safe environment.
• Collaboration and Teamwork:
  • Work closely with the Director and Board of Directors to ensure consistency in educational practices and to share ideas and strategies for student success.
  • Participate in regular staff meetings and professional development sessions, contributing to the continuous improvement of the school’s educational programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field
• Fully meets the State of New Hampshire Bureau of Childcare Licensing requirements for a Lead Teacher or higher.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience in curriculum planning and development, with a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment.
• Proficient in the use of technology, including Google Drive, Google Docs, with the ability to integrate technology into administrative and educational practices.
• Must be open to learning and implementing a student management system, Brightwheel.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Experience or knowledge of nonprofit management is a plus.