Early Learning Center Teacher

In this role as an Early Learning Teacher, you will be a part of an interdisciplinary team providing essential services to children and families in the Frogtown/Rondo and East Side St Paul neighborhoods. The LSS Early Learning Center addresses instability through a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach, fostering significant developmental progress in children to ensure they are socially, emotionally and academically prepared for kindergarten. Recognizing that trauma often underlies developmental delays, the LSS Early Learning Center integrates therapeutic interventions into its programs to alleviate the effects of toxic stress. The LSS Early Learning Center employs a robust, research-based curriculum combined with unique strategies in family engagement, and integrated complementary services like occupational therapy and speech therapy.

The major responsibilities for this position include:

• Function as a member of a collaborative team in an early intervention preschool program for children experiencing high stress, trauma, or crisis.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities for highly stressed preschool aged children.
• Model, teach, and build the children's capacity to learn skills for healthy relationships, communication, and self-regulation.
• Provide support for children on the bus when transporting them to and from preschool, help conduct food service for the class, and maintain a clean and safe classroom environment.
• Engage in reflection with team to support collaboration and growth as a teacher.

Job Requirements:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) (preschool) AND 9 months experience working within a childcare setting with preschool children from diverse communities; OR Certificate as a Child Development Assistant AND 1 year experience working within a childcare setting with preschool children from diverse communitites; OR other eligibility for Teacher qualification from DHS.
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Social Work, or similar major AND 6 months childcare experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and work well with young children and families challenged by economic and social problems and of varying racial/ethnic backgrounds.
• Commitment to collaborative classroom teaching.
• Current pediatric Red Cross First Aid and CPR training (may be taken after hire).
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with a variety of people.
• Easily navigate smart phone technology and a laptop, or be willing to learn.
• PREFERRED: Maintain a valid driver's license and be willing to operate a school van.

Lutheran Social Service MN is a dynamic social service organization serving children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults and military veterans. We offer an ALIVE Workplace (Supportive, Positive and Fun) and careers that challenge, energize and reward employees. Consider joining us!

The successful candidate must be cleared by a Bureau of Criminal Affairs (BCA) background study and have a drivers’ license; a Motor Vehicle Check (MVR) is required. 

Lutheran Social Service of MN is an EEO/AAP employer. We actively foster an environment that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.