Lead Preschool Teacher

Do you really enjoy helping to form young children in faith and the love of Jesus in a preschool setting?  Would you enjoy helping our youngest children develop social skills, independence, and confidence through hands-on learning experiences?

The Church of the Guardian Angels is seeking a qualified and faith-filled Lead Preschool Teacher to join our growing early childhood program in a new preschool – Guardian Angels Catholic Preschool, opening in autumn of 2025.  The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate, nurturing, and faith-based learning environment that supports the whole child—spiritually, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.

This position reports directly to Father Tony VanderLoop, Pastor, and works closely with preschool staff and parish leadership to uphold the mission of The Church of the Guardian Angels: to live and share the Gospel through worship, education, and service.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Plan and implement daily lessons using developmentally appropriate practices, aligned with Catholic values and Minnesota Early Learning Standards.
• Foster spiritual growth by incorporating daily prayer, Bible stories, and Catholic traditions into classroom routines.
• Support a play-based approach while guiding children toward kindergarten readiness.

Classroom Leadership & Environment

• Create a welcoming, safe, and organized classroom environment that promotes learning and positive behavior.
• Model and implement respectful behavior guidance strategies in accordance with DHS and Catholic teachings.
• Ensure classrooms are in compliance with MN DHS Rule 3 licensing requirements at all times.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build positive relationships with preschool families and maintain regular, professional communication regarding student progress and classroom updates.
• Participate in preschool and parish events, fostering a strong sense of community and shared mission.
• Collaborate with The Church of the Guardian Angels parish staff to ensure consistent messaging and family engagement.

Administrative & Licensing

• Maintain all documentation required by DHS, including attendance, child files, and ongoing training records.
• Follow all MN DHS licensing regulations and required safety procedures.
• Participate in staff meetings, parish updates, and professional development opportunities as required.

Faith-Based Collaboration

• Uphold and model Catholic values in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
• Work under the spiritual and administrative leadership of Father Tony VanderLoop and Deacon John Cleveland to align classroom practices with parish mission.

Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age and meet one of the MN DHS Lead Teacher qualification pathways, such as:
  • A bachelor’s or associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or closely related field) and qualifying experience.
  • CDA (Child Development Associate) credential and relevant hours of experience.
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience as outlined in DHS Rule 9503.0032.
• CPR/First Aid certified or willing to obtain.
• Completion of all required DHS training prior to starting date.

Preferred

• Experience working in a Catholic preschool or parish setting.
• Knowledge of and ability to incorporate Catholic teachings in age-appropriate ways.
• Practicing Catholic preferred or ability to support the Catholic identity of the preschool.

Please see a complete description of the Lead Preschool Teacher position on our website at www.gachaska.org.  Click on “Employment” under the “About Us” tab.

Please send letter of interest and résumé with information on why you desire the position and how your education, faith development, experience and accomplishments have helped prepare you to serve the community of Guardian Angels in Chaska to Father Tony VanderLoop via email at: frtonyvanderloop@gachaska.org.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.