DESCRIPTION
Under the direction and supervision of the Youth Program Manager, the Preschool Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-aged children. The Preschool Teacher plans and implements engaging lessons that follow the State of Illinois Early Learning Standards for Preschool along with
maintaining good communication with parents, excellent rapport with children, supervision of children, classroom leadership, management, organization and curriculum planning.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan, prepare and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities using the State of Illinois Early Learning Standards for Preschool
- Create a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that encourages exploration, creativity and independence
- Instruct students within an 8:1 or 10:1 ratio in a classroom setting and outdoors
- Supervise students at all times including outdoors at recess, ensuring their health, safety and well-being
- Use positive behavior guidance techniques to support children's social and emotional growth
- Foster positive relationships with children, families and staff through open, respectful and professional communication
- Conduct ongoing observations and assessments of children's development and maintain accurate records as required
- Prepare the classroom, learning centers, and materials to support engaging educational experiences
- Work cooperatively with co-teacher, other team members, and supervisors as a team
- Collaborate with supervisors and fellow staff members to ensure high-quality programming
- Communicate regularly with parents regarding classroom activities, student progress and any other concerns
- Provide high quality customer service which includes greeting the children and parents daily
- Attend all staff meetings and trainings
- Attend 8 hours of continuing education training annually
- Follow all park district policies and procedures
- Attend all preschool functions (i.e. open house, meet the teachers, parent/teacher conference, concerts, graduations, year-end event etc.)
- Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of classroom, hallway and workroom
- Perform related work as required by the Manager and/or Coordinator
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Youth Program Manager
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience: Minimum18 years or older
- Education: Coursework or degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred
- Skills: Knowledge of early childhood milestones, strong classroom management and organizational skills, ability to develop and implement engaging age-appropriate curriculum, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and ability to establish positive relationships with children, parents and coworkers.
- Certifications: CPR, First Aid and AED certification is required or ability to obtain within four weeks
- Competencies: The ability to instruct children 2 ½ - 5 years, plan age-appropriate lessons, maintain 8 hours of continuing education annually, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to pass all required background checks
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Your job may entail climbing, running, crawling, bending, kneeling, sitting when working/playing with children. Occasionally movement of supplies, equipment, or moving a child is necessary in which case the maximum weight that you are expected to be able to lift is 50 lbs., though typically it will be less than this. Supervise children outdoors at recess, parent drop-off, or outdoor classroom activities with exposure to natural sunlight, rain, snow, etc. and varying temperatures.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICIES, SAFETY, ETC.
It is expected that all Gurnee Park District Staff comply with the policies and procedures as set forth by the Gurnee Park District Board of Commissioners. Resources that outline these policies and procedures include the Personnel Policy Manual, Safety Manual, Departmental Manual, Area or Job Specific Manuals and other written or verbal procedures as provided by your supervisor. As all situations cannot be documented even in manuals such as these, it is further expected that your actions as an employee are always performed with safety in mind, respect of your fellow staff and customers in mind, and at the direction of your supervisor. The Gurnee Park District has developed the SOFFI Customer Service Standards as a guide to our agency's expectations and recommendations for successful work behavior. It is expected that all staff learn and understand these policies and procedures.
We believe in taking care of our team and supporting our members both professionally and personally. As a valued addition to our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package dependent on your role. Check out our offerings here.