Early Education Lead Teacher

About Little Praisers & Praise Lutheran Church

Little Praisers Preschool & Child Care is a ministry of Praise Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, serving children from 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We believe caring for young children is more than a job - it is an opportunity to serve children and families while reflecting the love of Christ each day.

Our classrooms are places where children are known, valued, nurtured, and encouraged to grow. Through loving relationships, developmentally appropriate learning, and a Christ-centered environment, we partner with families to help children grow physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually, and spiritually.

We are looking for a Lead Teacher who sees early childhood education as both a profession and a ministry - and who desires to make a lasting difference in the lives of our youngest children.

About the Position

The Lead Teacher provides loving, attentive, and developmentally appropriate care while leading the daily activities and operation of the classroom.

The Lead Teacher creates a safe and nurturing environment to develop secure attachments, explore their world, build early skills, and experience the love and grace of God through the adults who care for them.

This position is responsible for the overall care, supervision, learning environment, and daily experience of the children assigned to the classroom while working collaboratively with families, classroom staff, and Little Praisers leadership.

What You'll Do

Create a Christ-centered, nurturing classroom

• Build warm, trusting relationships with each child, responding thoughtfully to individual needs, personalities, developmental stages, and cues.
• Provide consistent, loving care that helps children develop a sense of security, belonging, and trust.
• Incorporate age-appropriate opportunities to experience God's love through gentle care, prayer, Scripture, songs, and Christian example.
• Model patience, kindness, compassion, respect, and servant-hearted leadership in daily interactions with children, families, and coworkers.

Learning and development

• Plan and provide developmentally appropriate activities and experiences that support physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional, and spiritual development.
• Observe and respond to each child's developmental needs and interests.
• Provide opportunities for infants to explore, move, communicate, interact, and develop independence at an age-appropriate level.
• Create an engaging, organized, and welcoming classroom environment that encourages learning through play and meaningful interaction.

Partner with families

• Develop positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with parents and families.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding their child's daily experiences, development, routines, and needs.
• Respect each family's culture, values, and individual circumstances while supporting the well-being of each child.
• Help families feel welcomed, valued, and confident in the care their child receives.

Provide excellent daily care

• Meet the daily physical, emotional, developmental, and spiritual needs of infants.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and inviting classroom.
• Follow established infant feeding, diapering, sleep, sanitation, supervision, and safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate classroom and child records as required.
• Communicate concerns regarding a child's health, safety, development, or behavior to the appropriate administrator and family.
• Follow all Little Praisers policies, procedures, program requirements, and applicable Indiana regulations.

Lead and collaborate

• Take responsibility for the overall operation and quality of the classroom.
• Work collaboratively with classroom assistants and other Little Praisers staff to provide consistent, high-quality care.
• Help create a positive team culture where coworkers encourage, support, and serve one another.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, professional development, and other program activities as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine love for young children.
• Understands that caring for children is an opportunity to serve both children and families.
• Can demonstrate patience, compassion, dependability, and a servant's heart.
• Is comfortable working in a Christian environment and supporting the mission and ministry of Little Praisers and Praise Lutheran Church.
• Builds positive and professional relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally.
• Works well as part of a team while also demonstrating initiative and leadership in the classroom.
• Is dependable, organized, flexible, and able to manage the responsibilities of a busy infant classroom.
• Desires to help children feel safe, loved, valued, and capable.

Education & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA), associate degree, bachelor's degree, or other qualifying credential in Early Childhood Education or a related field required.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry at least 30 pounds.
• Must meet all applicable background check, health, training, and employment requirements.
• Must be willing to complete required childcare and professional development training.
• Previous experience working in an early childhood setting.

Schedule

9:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Monday – Friday

Why Join Little Praisers?

At Little Praisers, you will be part of a team that believes the work we do matters. Every bottle prepared, diaper changed, song sung, story shared, milestone celebrated, and comforting hug is part of caring for a child created and loved by God.

We strive to create a workplace where our staff are supported, valued, encouraged to grow, and given opportunities to use their gifts in service to children and families.

If you are passionate about early childhood education, love working with infants, and want your work to have a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.

Come grow with us—and help our littlest learners grow in faith, love, and wonder.

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Childcare: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person