Preschool Teacher Assistant

Work Schedule

• Workweek: 20 - 25 hours
• Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Fridays, 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Duration: 9 months, Mid-August through Mid-May, excluding breaks and sessions.
• Vacation days must be taken during the semester.

Position Summary

Responsible for teaching/supervising in all preschool curricular areas and providing for the needs of the children while in the care of the MCC Children's Learning Center.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Attend and participate constructively at staff meetings.
• Implement teaching methods consistent with the Center’s curriculum model and the methods taught in the Early Childhood Education Program.
• Auxiliary in maintaining DCFS licensing standards and the national accreditation guidelines.
• Report child abuse as mandated by law.
• Resolve conflicts with children and with parents, when appropriate.
• Decide upon and use behavioral techniques appropriate for educational needs of children.
• Promote and supervise activities for children which encourage healthy emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development.
• Be responsive to children.
• Interact, when appropriate, in children’s activities.
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment.
• Communicate with parents in a positive manner.
• Serve as a professional role model for ECE students and the childcare community at large.
• Maintain and document 15 clock hours of professional activities each year to meet DCFS standards.
• Use computers (in the office and classroom), laminator, copy machine, and audiovisual equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• 60 college credits with 6 of those credits in courses directly related to early childhood education or child development from birth to age 8.
• Experience in a licensed preschool, child care facility OR 30 college credits with 6 of those credits in courses directly related to early childhood education or child development from birth to age 8, and one year (1560 clock hours) of experience in a licensed preschool child care center or kindergarten.

Skills and Specifications

• Ability to demonstrate interactive skills with children consistent with CLC policies.
• Knowledge of DCFS licensing standards and NAEYC accreditation guidelines.
• Written and oral communication skills required.
• Self-directed and flexible.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills required.
• Good organization skills.
• Ability to see what needs to be done and do it.
• Safe lifting of 50 pounds unassisted.

License/Certificate

• First Aid and CPR.
• Maintain and document 15 clock hours of professional activities each year to meet DCFS standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity

McHenry County College declares and reaffirms a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. The College will make all decisions regarding admission, employment, participation in educational programs, or activities, without discrimination on grounds of race, color, creed or religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, physical or mental disabilities, military status, sexual orientation, gender-related identity, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge from military service, or other factors prohibited by law. Decisions regarding employment include hiring, promotion, termination, wages or salaries, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. MCC is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible college community. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in any aspect of the hiring process, contact Human Resources at McHenry County College.

Benefits

• Part-time employees receive a competitive bank of vacation, sick, and personal leave time.
• Part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours a week also receive up to 15 paid holidays depending on their work schedule.
• The College also offers employees the opportunity to save for retirement through deferred compensation plans.
• Part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week are eligible to receive a tuition waiver for up to nine (9) credit hours for courses taken at MCC.
• In addition, the College also provides tuition reimbursement for pre-approved course work taken at a regionally accredited institution upon successful completion of such course.