Early Childhood Teacher (ISBE Prek)

Early Childhood Teacher (ISBE Prek)

Salary

$46,262.00 - $50,000.00 Annually

Location

Governors State University, IL

Job Type

Administrative & Professional

Job Number

AP20260007

Division

Family Development Center

Department

Family Development Center

Opening Date

08/20/2026

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

0

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The Family Development Center at Governors State University welcomes qualified candidates to submit an application of interest.

The Early Childhood Teacher (ISBE Pre-K) works collaboratively with a classroom paraprofessional to plan and implement a high-quality, developmentally appropriate, center-based Preschool for All program. The position supports the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of young

children while ensuring full compliance with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Preschool for All requirements, DCFS Rule 407, and NAEYC standards.

Essential Responsibilities

85%

1. Child Supervision & Safety

Teacher will use active supervision practices to supervise children by sight or sound at all times

in compliance with DCFS Rule 407 and Preschool for All requirements, including strategic

positioning, Scanning and counting, and anticipating risks in compliance with DCFS Rule 407 and

Preschool for All requirements during routines, transitions, indoor/outdoor play, and off site

excursions.

2. Curriculum Implementation & Individualized Support

In partnership with families, collaboratively implement an age-appropriate, developmentally

appropriate, center-based Pre-K program using The Creative Curriculum and Conscious

Discipline.

o Teacher leads instructional planning, assessment, and compliance with state and

federal requirements

o Oversee paraprofessional in supporting instruction, learning centers, and

small-group/individual activities.

o Individualized plans (IEPs, IFSPs, behavior, nutrition, and other supports) are integrated into daily instruction. Staff collaborate with the Pre-K Program Coordinator and Education Director to design responsive learning environments.

3. Classroom Environment & Management

Jointly maintain consistent routines, schedules, and classroom management while remaining responsive to individual child needs. Foster a warm, inclusive, and respectful environment for children, families, and program partners.

4. Health, Safety & Environmental Monitoring

Share responsibility for daily inspection of indoor and outdoor materials, equipment, and environments, promptly addressing safety concerns and maintaining appropriate supervision as well as accurately completing and reporting incident reports in a timely manner.

5. Nutrition & Self-Help Skill Development

Eat with children and support social and language development, independence, and

self-help skills through implementation of Family-Style Meal Service in compliance with licensing requirements.

6. Medical Awareness & Medication Support

Maintain awareness of childrens health needs, allergies, and medical conditions.

o Teacher oversees documentation, family communication, and medical plans.

o Ensures paraprofessional assists with implementation and monitoring.

Medications are administered per policy, authorization, and licensing regulations.

10%

1. Family Engagement & Communication

Support active parent involvement through regular verbal and written communication. Teacher conducts a minimum of two parent conferences annually for each child, with paraprofessional participation as appropriate. Attend at least 2 evening parent events each program year.

2. Health & Social Services Communication

Report health concerns to the Health Services Director and family social service needs to the Family Services Specialist promptly.

3. Child Observation & Assessment

Conduct ongoing observations and assessments to inform curriculum instruction and meet the needs of individual children.

o Teacher ensures assessments are documented at least three times annually with the paraprofessional support when needed for observation and data collection.

4. Family Goal Collaboration

Collaborate with the Family Services Specialist to support child and family goal setting in accordance with Preschool for All guidelines.

5. Student Supervision & Mentoring

Teacher serves as cooperating teacher for GSU students, Paraprofessional supports modeling professional classroom practices.

6. Documentation & Reporting

Complete required documentation and reports in a timely manner to meet ISBE, DCFS, and NAEYC standards, with Teacher maintaining final accountability.

7. Professional Development

Complete a minimum of 20 clock hours of Gateways-approved professional development annually.

Maintain all Professional Licenses and at least a Gateway Level 4 ECE Certification.

5%

• Meet all regulatory health requirements, including physical exams, immunizations, TB

testing, and lift evaluations as required.

• Meetings & Training

Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.

• Policy Adherence

Adhere to all policies and procedures of Governors State University, the Family Development Center,

Preschool for All, DCFS, and NAEYC.

• Additional Program Support

Participate in additional meetings, committees, or training as requested to support program quality

and improvement.

• Other duties as assigned in relation to the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Early Childhood Pedagogical Competencies

• Skill in creating a psychologically safe, secure environment
• Skill in classroom control and discipline
• Skills in providing stimulation for young children
• Skill in communication with young children

Cognitive Competencies

• Observational Skill
• Pattern Recognition
• Diagnostic Skills

Self-Management Competencies

• Ability to Maintain Own Equilibrium
• Sets Limits and Boundaries
• Self-Awareness and Self-Development

Interpersonal Competencies

• Empathy
• Nonverbal Understanding

Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Must possess a pleasing personality

and ability to establish and maintain rapport with families and staff. Must be capable of

representing the Family Development Center and University in a positive manner.

Required Education and Experience

• Gateways Level 5 Early Childhood Credential and enrolled in a program leading to a Professional Educator License Endorsed in Early Childhood Education. Proof of enrollment and successful progress submitted to Education Director on a semesterly basis.
• Two years of experience in a preschool setting.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.

Desired Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in early childhood education, a Professional Educator License endorsed in

early childhood education.

• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Supplemental Information

A complete application must include the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Transcripts
• List of three professional references with current contact information

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

This position qualifies for an expansive suite of fringe benefits including, various insurance options, paid time off, retirement and investment options, and tuition waivers. Visit: https://www.govst.edu/benefits/.

01

What is the highest level of education attained?

• GED HS eequivalent
• High School Diploma
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• ABD

02

What academic discipline did you earn your degree(s) in?

Required Question

Employer Governors State University (IL)

Address 1 University Pkwy

University Park, Illinois, 60484

Phone 708-534-5000

Website https://www.govst.edu/