Campus Ministries Teacher & Children's Ministry Specialist

The Salvation Army•Suffern, NY

About The Position

The Campus Ministries Teacher and Children's Ministry Specialist (CMS) serves as a Day Care Teacher for school-age children, providing care, guidance, and programmatic engagement in a nurturing environment. The role supports children’s holistic development through structured activities and faith-based learning. It also serves as part of the Campus Ministries pastoral team, focused on spiritual care and ministry leadership for children at the College of Officer Training (CFOT). The CMS teaches, mentors, and leads children in their faith journey through worship, discipleship, and community-building programs, while collaborating with other leaders and fostering relationships with children and their families.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Valid driver’s license and approval to drive a 12-passenger van.
New York State Teaching Certificate.
Active Christian in good standing.
Must be available to work on Sundays, as required.

Responsibilities

Implement the daily program and follow the daily schedule as closely as possible.
Supervise children and ensure their safety and well-being, remaining alert to individual and group needs or problems and notifying CM Leadership of potential concerns.
Complete Incident and Accident forms when applicable.
Plan a developmentally appropriate curriculum with activities and experiences that contribute to each child’s growth and development.
Supervise activities and interact with children.
Submit monthly communications to the Director and distribute them to parents.
Decorate the classroom with bulletin boards, pictures, children’s artwork, and other materials that support the vision and mission of the space.
Organize classroom materials and equipment, maintain supplies, and advise the Assistant Director when supplies need replenishing.
Prepare and deliver snacks for children.
Evaluate each child’s needs and seek to meet them in coordination with the Director and Assistant Director.
Greet parents at arrival and departure, maintain clear communication, and encourage their involvement in Campus Ministries activities.
Comply with New York State Day Care regulations, including teacher in-service training, health policies, and KeepSAfe reporting mandates.
Attend regular staff planning and evaluation meetings.
Lead weekly programmatic activities assigned by Campus Ministries leadership.
Supervise and assist with classroom cleanup, vacuuming, and laundering rest linens as needed.
Handle discipline promptly and in accordance with the stated discipline policy.
Check children daily for visible signs of illness and report findings to CM Leadership.
Provide transportation to Campus Ministries children in assigned Salvation Army vehicles as needed.
Support other classrooms as needed and perform other duties related to children’s care as requested by the Director or supervisor.
Lead small groups for CFOT children and assist with day-to-day pastoral care for CFOT youth.
Collaborate with the CM Officer and CM Leadership to develop age-appropriate, engaging, and creative Biblical education.
Assist in creating a Spiritual Development Plan for CFOT youth with the Director and CM Officer.
Plan and execute weekly age-appropriate activities for Campus Ministries youth from infants through teenagers, including worship, retreats, and other activities.
Be present in the Day Care area during work hours and build relationships with children.
Plan special youth activities and chaperone teen retreats, such as youth councils and Commissioning, in coordination with the Director and CM Officer.