Child Care Teacher

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Peoria, IL

25d•$19 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Care Center Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children ranging from infancy through pre-kindergarten age. This position supports children's cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language development through age-appropriate activities, play-based learning, and positive interactions. The teacher implements curriculum plans, maintains a structured classroom, ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, and partners with families to support each child's growth and development. Successful candidates demonstrate patience, creativity, strong communication skills, and a genuine commitment to helping young children thrive in a caring and inclusive environment. Staff are expected to demonstrate flexibility and willingness to work in different classrooms, age groups, or assignments as needed to support the daily operations and best meet the needs of the program. Staff are expected to collaborate as a team and adapt to changing situations to ensure a high-quality learning environment for all children.

Requirements

Comply with Illinois Department of Child and Family Services and NAEYC employment eligibility.
Experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, or early childhood education setting.
Knowledge of child development principles and age-appropriate practices.
Ability to maintain required certifications and comply with state licensing requirements.
CPR/First Aid certification preferred or required, depending on state regulations.
Successfully complete, a physical with proof of Tuberculosis test, T-Dap, and 2 MMR vaccines provided by a physician.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality
Ability to multi-task several projects concurrently
Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures.
Demonstrated awareness of budget resources and cost control, as well as planning and administering budgets.
Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in education, human services, business management or related degree preferred; significant related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

Plan, supervise and implement in accordance with the polices and philosophies of The Salvation Army, NAEYC, quality rating Illinois and DCFS licensing.
Provide attentive care and supervision for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten children.
Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning activities and curriculum with dedicated and individual goals for each student tracked and managed well.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and nurturing classroom environment.
Monitor and document children's progress and developmental milestones, screening developmental goals with referrals as necessary.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom consistent with licensing and regulatory requirements.
Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding children's achievements, needs, and concerns hosting a minimum of two parent/teacher conferences per year.
Support children's social-emotional development and encourage positive behavior.
Collaborate with center staff and administrators to ensure quality programming and care.
Gear the program to the needs of each individual child with concern for his/her interests, abilities, special talents, individual style and pace of learning.
Treat each child with dignity and respect.
Help each child become aware of his/her role as an integral member of the group.
Responsible for the ordered arrangement, appearance, décor and learning environment of the classroom.
Assume an equal share of the joint housekeeping responsibilities of the staff.
Attend all staff meetings.
Submit daily lunch count to the kitchen.
Participate in required training programs, conferences, courses and other aspects of professional growth.
Implement methods for effectively utilizing the services of classroom assistants, student teachers and volunteers.
Assist in community-oriented events and activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Successfully satisfy the training requirements associated to the position and as required by The Salvation Army & DCFS.