Director of Preschool and Lead Teacher

The Preschool Director/Lead Teacher is a pivotal role within the Holy Trinity parish initiative to open the first Holy Angels Academy. This is a new 4K program in the Orangeburg community scheduled to open in August of 2024. This position serves as the face of the Academy, which aims to provide high-quality Catholic preschool education to all children, particularly those who are economically underserved, disadvantaged or dual-language learners. The goal is to deliver an education that fosters the development of the whole person.

With the support of the Diocese of Charleston Catholic Schools Office (CSO), the Preschool Director/Lead Teacher will work in tandem with the local parish/school to lay the groundwork for the development of the Holy Angels Academy. In addition, the coordinator will serve as the lead classroom teacher.

Key Responsibilities

• Faith-based education.
• Represent and promote the diocese, parish, and school’s mission and values.
• Serve as a model of the faith at all times.
• Implement prayer and faith in all aspects of the school day.
• Plan and teach a religious curriculum in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Integrate all God’s children in a positive and respectful manner.
• Work with the parish to ensure a religious presence in the preschool.

Foundation Setting

• Collaborate with the CSO and parish to establish the Holy Angels Academy K4 program at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
• Foster strong relationships with the Holy Trinity pastor and church staff.

Personnel Management

• Identify, hire, and supervise all preschool personnel.
• Ensure all staff meet Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit expectations annually.

Administrative Duties

• Complete all necessary paperwork for First Steps and DSS requirements.
• Develop and implement enrollment, business, and marketing plans to recruit and retain students.
• Oversee DSS and K4 First Steps requirements to ensure continuous compliance.

Curriculum Coordination

• Coordinate the preschool curriculum to align with educational standards.
• Stay current in the education field through participation in educational conferences, workshops, in-services and professional reading.
• Family and Community Engagement: Develop and implement a system for effective communication with families.

Lead Teacher Responsibilities

• Plan and implement activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of the children in the program.
• Serve as the Lead K4 teacher responsible for all planning, classroom management, parent communication, supervision of students, curriculum delivery.
• Provide an environment where children feel safe, secure and builds self esteem.
• Establish routines, schedules, and a loving classroom environment.
• Develop schedules and school calendar.
• Ensure equipment and facilities are clean, well maintained and safe at all times.
• Plan and supervise developmentally appropriate activities that introduce math and literacy concepts.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, meeting the qualifications set by DSS and South Carolina K4 First Steps.

Skills and Competencies

• Early childhood curriculum and instruction expertise.
• Leadership and imaginative thinking.
• Problem-solving and marketing skills.
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Effective management abilities.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred
• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.

Desired Attributes

• Commitment to the mission of providing high-quality Catholic education.
• Passion for working with young children and families, especially those from underserved communities.
• Ability to create a nurturing, inclusive, and academically stimulating environment.

Send resumes to Katie Giglio: katiegdre@gmail.com.