Preschool Teacher, ASUM

Staff Vacancy

ASUM Childcare invites applications for a Preschool Teacher to join their team. The preschool teacher will independently be required to make decisions in regards to lesson plans, child guidance training and supervising the student staff and caregiver, within our program guidelines and procedures. The teacher will have access to the counsel of the site program assistant and director for more challenging situations or more complex decisions.

The preschool teacher will be required to:

• Effectively supervise all children for safety and overall general health
• Develop and implement age appropriate lesson plans for the children enrolled
• Serve as a role model for other caregivers and student aides
• Train and supervise student staff in their daily duties
• Establish a rapport with parents in the program, working to best meet their children’s needs

The preschool teacher will be required to supervise:

• The administrative associate caregivers in their follow through of assigned duties in classroom
• The student staff in the completion for their duties including working with the children, food preparation according to the Child and Adult Care Food Program standards
• The children closely to ensure their safety, education and general well-being

Required Skills

• Use of good judgment and ability to remain calm
• The knowledge of Montana State licensing standards and the ability to apply and enforce them
• Knowledge of child development, quality early childhood practices, positive child guidance techniques and the care and supervision of children
• Ability to develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans
• Ability to implement and assess quality early childhood practices
• Ability to assess children’s development and progress and provide portfolio documentation of that progress
• Ability to follow written meal preparation and food service standards
• Knowledge of acceptable safety, sanitation and food handling practices
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to communicate and supervise classroom staff effectively in a constructive and positive way
• Ability to multi-task, effectively manage time, delegate tasks and prioritize
• Desire and ability to create and maintain a positive work environment, work as a team with all center staff
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents
• Implement parent involvement activities
• Ability and willingness to accept constructive feedback from parents, co-workers or supervisor
• Ability to be the leader within the classroom and confidently make decisions

Minimum Required Experience

• High School diploma and at least two (2) years’ experience in a licensed or registered child care program or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of a CDA (Child Development Associate) credential with at least 12 college credits in Early Childhood Education or at least 24 college credits in Early Childhood Education, with plans and progress toward obtaining, at a minimum, their Early Childhood Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Early Childhood Education Associate, Bachelors or Master’s degree
• Three (3) or more years of experience in a license child care program
• Participation in or knowledge of NAEYC Accreditation and STARS for Quality

About ASUM and UM

The Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM) Child Care, Preschool and Family Resources offers affordable, quality care for the children of students and staff at the University of Montana. Serving UM students since 1970, ASUM Child Care works towards providing and promoting quality early childhood care and education.

The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

To learn more about the University of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights

Position Details

Position Title: Preschool Teacher

Position Number: 480070

Department: ASUM Childcare

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, 12 months/year.

Salary: $18.386/hr

Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE

Probationary Period: Six months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Extended Priority Application Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular