Lead Pre-k Teacher

PARK DISTRICT OF OAK PARK•Oak Park, IL

8d•$18 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher is a Part-Time IMRF Position. We offer competitive compensation, PTO, IMRF and an employee discount for part-time IMRF employees. We are thoughtfully searching for another professional to join our team! This dynamic person would fill the Lead Pre-Kindergarten teacher role, with the opportunity to engage in other leadership opportunities within the department. We utilize an emergent play-based curriculum model to develop thinkers and doers that are innovative, resilient, and compassionate. The ideal candidate has a passion for early childhood education, is nurturing, creative, responsible, communicates well with parents and colleagues, and collaborates with our team to provide a positive learning environment. Responsibilities include: Guide young children’s development through play alongside the assistant teacher. Provide a safe, inclusive, and nurturing classroom environment for children at varying stages of development. Conduct formative and summative assessments to gain a child’s full picture for families and other supportive entities (ex. school districts, Collaboration for Early Childhood, WSSRA, IAFC, etc.) Work closely with a team of teachers, as well as other recreation staff. Professional communication with participant families as well as administrators. Join the other team members in the physical care of the building/classroom space and maintain DCFS requirements, as our licensed program meets and exceeds state standards for health, safety and staff training. Act as the site director in cooperation with the Early Childhood program supervisor. Job Purpose: The Lead Pre-Kindergarten teacher will team with an assistant to create a nurturing environment that fosters social, emotional, and cognitive development for each student ranging in age from 3 -5 years old. The Preschool Teacher is responsible for the lesson planning, curriculum implementation, safety, and the social/emotional well-being of all participants. They will provide quality customer service to the families, park patrons, and Park District staff. Essential Functions: Act as the Director in accordance with DCFS standards. Ensure that classroom environment and procedures meet DCFS standards. Maintain required staff and student files, attendance records, and general forms needed to operate the facility in compliance with DCFS licensing and Park District standards. Model developmentally appropriate and professional early childhood teaching practices and set a positive, fun and collaborative tone for the classroom. Communicate effectively and openly with parents, administration and colleagues and develop mutually supportive relationships. Coach Assistant Teacher by providing feedback, delegating responsibilities, and supporting assistant teachers for professional growth. Provide nurturing, sensitive and individualized care to children and create an inviting classroom environment through play, hands-on activities, student directed learning, modeling, teacher self-talk, and constant adult-child interaction. Adapt teaching methods, schedules, and environments to meet varying needs, interests, and learning styles. Create an effective environment for learning through daily provocations, invitations and intentional presentation of materials. Collaborate with assistant teacher to develop large and small group investigations arising out of thoughtful reflection of children’s interest and promote opportunities for creative thinking, skill-building, playful experiences, and meaningful relationships. Advocate for the learning, theories and ideas of young children and yourself as a teacher through documentation, display and presentation in daily photo posts, a weekly email or posting and in a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment. Communicate with parents and supervisor regularly via email, phone, and in-person. Act as the Director in accordance with DCFS standards. Ensure that classroom environment and procedures meet DCFS standards. Maintain required staff and student files, attendance records, and general forms needed to operate the facility in compliance with DCFS licensing and Park District standards. Model developmentally appropriate and professional early childhood teaching practices and set a positive, fun and collaborative tone for the classroom. Communicate effectively and openly with parents, administration and colleagues and develop mutually supportive relationships. Coach Assistant Teacher by providing feedback, delegating responsibilities and supporting Assistant Teachers professional growth. Provide nurturing, sensitive and individualized care to children and create an inviting classroom environment through play, hands-on activities, student directed learning, modeling, teacher self-talk, and constant adult-child interaction. Adapt teaching methods, schedule, and environment to meet varying needs, interests, and learning styles. Create an effective environment for learning through daily provocations, invitations and intentional presentation of materials. Collaborate with assistant teacher to develop large and small group investigations arising out of thoughtful reflection of children’s interest and promote opportunities for creative thinking, skill-building, playful experiences, and meaningful relationships. Advocate for the learning, theories and ideas of young children and yourself as a teacher through documentation, display and presentation in daily photo posts, a weekly email or posting and in a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment. Communicate with parents and supervisor regularly via email, phone, and in-person. Organize parent/teacher conferences twice per school year and use them to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations. Support and model positive discipline. Manage classroom behaviors and transitions through redirection. Responsible for the purchasing of monthly classroom supplies within the established budget as well as receipt of filing. Participate in reflective supervision and incorporate feedback into teaching practice. Demonstrate a working knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice and take initiative to seek out professional articles and training opportunities to build knowledge. Participate in all school activities, including professional development, staff meetings and events, social events, special projects, field trips, and class celebrations. Addition Functions: Organize field trips, family nights, and school celebrations. Assist when needed with special projects, programs, or events. Guide children's acquisition of social skills. Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment. Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored. Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe. Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, time sheets, etc.

Requirements

Director qualified according to Illinois DCFS regulations.
Excellent communication skills, professionalism, high energy, and leadership skills that will match well with the current team.
Reliability and dedication are an absolute must for potential candidates.
Minimum of an associate degree in child development or early childhood education, or the equivalent (defined as 64 semester hours in any discipline with a minimum of 21 semester hours of college credit in child development, early childhood education or early childhood special education) and either a Gateways to Opportunity Level I Illinois Director Credential (see 89 Ill. Adm. Code 50.720(b) and http://www.ilgateways.com/en/illinois-directorcredential-idc) or 3 semester hours of college credit or 3 points of credential approved training in administration, leadership or management.
Minimum 21 years of age.
Must be fingerprinted and have a background check through DCFS.
Certification in advanced Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The District provides this training.
Documentation of a current medical exam.
Mandated Reporter.
Must provide official transcripts and documentation of work experience in the field of early childhood.
3 letters of recommendation.
Understand and follow Illinois Early Learning Guidelines for Kindergarten readiness.
Complete a minimum of 15 hours of professional development in early childhood per school year and maintain records in the Gateways to Opportunity database.
Additional Early Childhood Enrichment classes as needed.
Attend teacher meetings and training throughout the calendar year.
Skills Abstract reasoning, problem solving, planning, and analytical skills.
Effective writing and oral communication skills and use of good grammar and punctuation.
Successful experience working in a team setting.
Ability to present a positive image of the Park District to community members by professionally communicating and representing it.
Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently and effectively.
Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed.
Manual dexterity enough to operate a computer and office equipment, including the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorder.
Efficient Microsoft Office applications.
Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and clients.
Experience working with children and leading a classroom.
Knowledge of age-appropriate activities and child development.
Ability to take initiative and problem-solve.
Demonstrate strong leadership and administrative skills.
Work for prolonged periods at various heights including standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, and crawling heights; to easily lift/move young children.
Assist in the physical setting up and take down of program materials and equipment.
In case of emergency, be able to respond quickly and appropriately with children’s safety in mind.
Work effectively with internal and external customers, recognize diverse opinions and needs, and maintain a positive working relationship with all employees.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Preferred.
Preferred bilingual in English and Spanish.
2+ years of teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Guide young children’s development through play alongside the assistant teacher.
Provide a safe, inclusive, and nurturing classroom environment for children at varying stages of development.
Conduct formative and summative assessments to gain a child’s full picture for families and other supportive entities (ex. school districts, Collaboration for Early Childhood, WSSRA, IAFC, etc.)
Work closely with a team of teachers, as well as other recreation staff.
Professional communication with participant families as well as administrators.
Join the other team members in the physical care of the building/classroom space and maintain DCFS requirements, as our licensed program meets and exceeds state standards for health, safety and staff training.
Act as the site director in cooperation with the Early Childhood program supervisor.
Act as the Director in accordance with DCFS standards.
Ensure that classroom environment and procedures meet DCFS standards.
Maintain required staff and student files, attendance records, and general forms needed to operate the facility in compliance with DCFS licensing and Park District standards.
Model developmentally appropriate and professional early childhood teaching practices and set a positive, fun and collaborative tone for the classroom.
Communicate effectively and openly with parents, administration and colleagues and develop mutually supportive relationships.
Coach Assistant Teacher by providing feedback, delegating responsibilities, and supporting assistant teachers for professional growth.
Provide nurturing, sensitive and individualized care to children and create an inviting classroom environment through play, hands-on activities, student directed learning, modeling, teacher self-talk, and constant adult-child interaction.
Adapt teaching methods, schedules, and environments to meet varying needs, interests, and learning styles.
Create an effective environment for learning through daily provocations, invitations and intentional presentation of materials.
Collaborate with assistant teacher to develop large and small group investigations arising out of thoughtful reflection of children’s interest and promote opportunities for creative thinking, skill-building, playful experiences, and meaningful relationships.
Advocate for the learning, theories and ideas of young children and yourself as a teacher through documentation, display and presentation in daily photo posts, a weekly email or posting and in a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment.
Communicate with parents and supervisor regularly via email, phone, and in-person.
Organize parent/teacher conferences twice per school year and use them to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.
Support and model positive discipline.
Manage classroom behaviors and transitions through redirection.
Responsible for the purchasing of monthly classroom supplies within the established budget as well as receipt of filing.
Participate in reflective supervision and incorporate feedback into teaching practice.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice and take initiative to seek out professional articles and training opportunities to build knowledge.
Participate in all school activities, including professional development, staff meetings and events, social events, special projects, field trips, and class celebrations.
Organize field trips, family nights, and school celebrations.
Assist when needed with special projects, programs, or events.
Guide children's acquisition of social skills.
Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment.
Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored.
Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe.
Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, time sheets, etc.