Nature Preschool Teacher

ST CHARLES PARK DISTRICT•Campton Hills, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Deliver high quality recreation services for residents, visitors and the St. Charles community by adhering to the District’s safety and administrative policies and procedures. This position requires extensive knowledge and ability to possess and exhibit the desire to work with children and the ability to interact with children in a positive and safe manner throughout the seasons in all types of weather and terrain. Work collaboratively with co-teacher(s) by developing and executing age-appropriate curriculum activities. Serve as Park District representative, provide leadership and work effectively with the program participants and parents. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Work with parents, resolve problems and deal with individuals and situations in a respectful, positive, sensitive and mature manner. Assist with development of goals and objectives for the Acorns to Oaks Program. Demonstrate knowledge of developmental learning progressions and the ability to assess children’s needs. Follow department protocols and Park District policies. Be timely and accurate with paperwork. Prepare newsletters, calendars, and activity plans and distribute to parents. Maintain inventories of supplies and instructional materials and work with supervisor to acquire supplies as needed. Apply appropriate positive discipline techniques with children. Ensure the safety of all program participants by following Park District Safety Guidelines. Attain CPR, AED and First Aid certification. Prepare classroom at the beginning of the year and close down the classroom at the end of the year. Perform first aid, AED and CPR and execute emergency procedures as necessary. Attend weekend and evening trainings and/or orientations as required. Participate, when possible, in center wide planning, meetings, initiatives, and events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Natural Resources, Early Childhood Education, or Biological Sciences, or the equivalent in other work or experience.
Should have an affinity for working with children.
Can work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including children, parents and other park district staff.
Be willing and able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions and evenings as needed.
Must have a basic knowledge of native ecosystems and ability to identify flora and fauna.
Maintain DCFS Mandated Reporter and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications or obtain certifications within 30 days of hire.
Requires a range of hearing and vision that allows the employee to safely complete the essential duties of the position with or without assistive devices, corrective lenses and/or glasses and/or a reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Follow all departmental safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of Park District’s safety and risk management program.
Work cooperatively and collaboratively with residents, colleagues, the public, PDRMA and other agencies or organizations as delegated.
Recommends improvements and efficiencies to better accomplish individual and district goals in the best interests of the St. Charles Park District community.
Comply with park district policies and administrative procedures.
Possess and exhibit the desire to work with children and the ability to interact with children in a positive and safe manner throughout the seasons in all types of weather and terrain.
Work collaboratively with co-teacher(s) by developing and executing age-appropriate curriculum activities.
Serve as Park District representative, provide leadership and work effectively with the program participants and parents.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Work with parents, resolve problems and deal with individuals and situations in a respectful, positive, sensitive and mature manner.
Assist with development of goals and objectives for the Acorns to Oaks Program.
Demonstrate knowledge of developmental learning progressions and the ability to assess children’s needs.
Follow department protocols and Park District policies.
Be timely and accurate with paperwork.
Prepare newsletters, calendars, and activity plans and distribute to parents.
Maintain inventories of supplies and instructional materials and work with supervisor to acquire supplies as needed.
Apply appropriate positive discipline techniques with children.
Ensure the safety of all program participants by following Park District Safety Guidelines.
Attain CPR, AED and First Aid certification.
Prepare classroom at the beginning of the year and close down the classroom at the end of the year.
Perform first aid, AED and CPR and execute emergency procedures as necessary.
Attend weekend and evening trainings and/or orientations as required.
Participate, when possible, in center wide planning, meetings, initiatives, and events.
Perform other related duties and/or special projects as assigned.
Lift or move preschool equipment and materials as needed.
Perform light custodial duties as needed.