Preschool Teacher

About the Role

Responsible for implementing the Park District's curriculum in an age-appropriate manner within the preschool program for children ages two to five years of age. The Preschool Teacher reports to the Early Childhood Program Manager and Early Childhood Program Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Gain knowledge and understanding of Park District policies and procedures and ensure adherence at all times.
• Provide a safe, nurturing, and positive experience for all students.
• Prepare and implement daily nature curriculum.
• Use a range of teaching approaches and adapt instruction to include all children.
• Apply effective, age-appropriate classroom management that promotes positive relationships and creates predictability.
• Create a safe and thoughtfully arranged classroom that facilitates classroom management. Update content material, bulletin boards, and art displays to support curriculum.
• Maintain a clean and orderly classroom and storage space.
• Prepare materials for class projects and activities ahead of time. Submit monthly supplies requests.
• Conduct scheduled assessments and parent-teacher conferences.
• Build positive relationships with parents and communicate effectively with them. Create bi-weekly blogs and conduct daily, end-of-class parent talks.
• Work in conjunction with the Early Childhood Program Manager and Coordinator to make referrals and develop plans for children with special needs.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers to support and achieve the goals and objectives of the program.
• Attend curriculum meetings, staff meetings, teacher institutes, and complete 15 hours of in-service trainings.
• Substitute as needed.
• Distribute written communication as necessary or requested by the organization.
• Observe and follow all Park District safety policies and regulations; report hazardous situations.
• Record and maintain incident/accident reports with a copy to the Program Manager.
• Attend district-wide and departmental staff trainings related to policies, procedures, safety, or other relevant subjects.
• Implement Park District customer service standards.

Requirements

• B.S., B.A., or A.A. degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education or related field preferred.
• Five years of early childhood or child care experience required.
• Understanding of child development and at least 6 hours of early childhood development coursework.
• Maintain and/or obtain current certification in CPR and First Aid within 3 months of hire.
• Flexibility of work schedule during high-volume periods.
• Work is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Regular lifting of light, medium, and heavy objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

Skills

• Understanding of child development.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to the needs and concerns of children and their parents.
• Ability to accept responsibilities and work independently and in an organized manner.
• Flexibility and ability to interact cooperatively with fellow staff members.
• Leadership, dependability, patience, and concern for others.
• Excellent communication skills and professional ability to attend to customer needs.
• Ability to address complaints and resolve concerns effectively.

Benefits

Benefits information is available at this link.

Pay

$20.00 per hour.