Summer Camp Lead Teacher / Administrator

Job Title: Lead Teacher/Administrator

Reports to: Board of Directors

Status: Full-time, Seasonal with option to extend

Location: Haines, AK

Compensation: $27-33/hour based on experience

Chilkat Valley Preschool (CVP) is seeking a dedicated and experienced teacher to join our preschool as the Lead Teacher / Administrator. The ideal candidate will have classroom experience, proper credentials, a passion for building and growing our program, and a joy for working with young children.

Our School:

Chilkat Valley Preschool is dedicated to the fullest development of the whole child. We are protectors of childhood so we carefully balance unstructured learning and play with skill-building and other intentional teaching practices. We foster children’s social, emotional, and physical needs while providing them with essential kindergarten readiness skills. Our school emphasizes students’ immersion in multi-sensory learning opportunities that reflect the beautiful natural surroundings of our home in rural Alaska. We seek to strengthen children and their relationships to their families, community, other children, and the natural world.

Our Summer Camp Program is focused on enjoying the outdoors, exploring our natural surroundings, and celebrating the Alaskan summer months in all its bounty.

Position Description:

​As the Lead Teacher, you will play a crucial role in planning, organizing, and supervising all student programs and activities for the Summer Camp Program.

Your responsibilities will include overseeing the classroom as well as training, evaluating, and delegating tasks to the Assistant Teachers. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who wants to take ownership over creative learning opportunities and foster a fun, safe, and positive workplace while spending time in the outdoors.

Additionally, you will serve as the primary point of contact with the State Child Care Licensing Agency, being designated as the “Licensing Facility Administrator” when addressing licensing matters. The Lead Teacher must possess the necessary educational qualifications and demonstrate dependability, confidentiality, and responsibility. Creating a kind and positive atmosphere in the classroom and while representing the preschool in our small, rural community is essential.

Hours: Drop off begins at 7:50am and students are picked up by 3:15pm daily. Preparation for the day before students arrive and clean up after students leave will vary on the day.

Location: Chilkat Valley Preschool is located at the end of a dead-end road adjacent to our main town park and playground, Tlingit Park. The classroom is separate but in the same building as our town Senior Center. We encourage CVP students to engage with our seniors for multi-generational learning opportunities. This can be as simple as going to sing a song or bringing craft projects over to decorate the space. Students spend a substantial amount of time daily supervised on the playground. The Summer Camp Program is geared towards outdoor adventures with students visiting the beach, going on walks in the forest, and spending time in the community garden.

Environment: Haines, Alaska is a small rural community with approximately 2,000 year-round residents and a larger summer population full of seasonal residents, employees, and visitors. Haines is situated at the "tail" of Southeast Alaska, just 45 miles from the U.S.-Canadian border. We are at the top of the deepest fjord in North America and are situated right on the ocean, surrounded by majestic mountains and glacial rivers. Haines is a mecca for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors. We are a tight knit community and living here is a very different lifestyle than much of the US.

Key Duties:

• Supervise and assist with set up and clean up before and after school, greeting children and parents at the beginning and end of the school day.
• Regularly communicate with parents, addressing any improvements or concerns regarding their child.
• Conduct weekly 1-hour meetings with Teacher Assistants to plan and discuss classroom activities and any child concerns.
• Oversee the performance of Assistant Teachers and Substitute Teachers.
• Train new staff and volunteers.
• Work collaboratively with the Office Manager, including ordering supplies and materials for the classroom.
• Organize a monthly activity between seniors and preschool students.
• Attend parent meetings and board meetings as needed.
• Address State Child Care Licensing concerns in cooperation with the Office Manager and the State to maintain compliance.

Requirements:

• Current CDA certification or degree or 12 credits in Early Childhood Education.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certificates (CVP can assist with this process).
• At least 21 years old.
• Background check through NABCS (CVP will assist with this process)

Priority hiring is given to established Haines locals and those who have experience living and working in rural northern communities. This position has substantial room for growth and advancement for the right candidate.

Chilkat Valley Preschool’s employment opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. We value diversity and inclusion and we look forward to reviewing applications from all who are qualified to apply.

To Apply: Please send a letter of interest outlining your qualifications and your resume to chilkatvalleypreschool@gmail.com. No phone inquiries please.