Preschool Assistant Teacher (Part-Time)

Glencoe Park District•Glencoe, IL

2d•$18 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Glencoe Park District is a nationally accredited, Gold Medal Award–winning agency dedicated to enriching lives, building community, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Our Children’s Circle program is a licensed, full-day early childhood school offering a safe, nurturing, play-based environment that encourages hands-on learning, meaningful interactions, and active exploration for busy families. Join a mission-driven team that invests in its staff and supports professional growth! Under the supervision of the Children’s Circle Classroom Coordinator, the Part-Time Assistant Teacher supports Lead Teachers in delivering the full-day Children’s Circle Preschool program. Approximately 75% of the position’s responsibilities are dedicated to supporting the preschool classroom by maintaining a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that promotes each child’s social, emotional, physical, and developmental growth. The remaining 25% of the position serves as an Enrichment Support Instructor, assisting with the delivery of age-appropriate enrichment programs for young children.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate required.
Must be 19 years of age
General knowledge of DCFS and/or IL Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) licensing standards and developmentally appropriate practice is required.
Must possess current CPR/AED and First Aid certification or successfully obtain certification within three (3) months of hire.
Must possess current Food Handler certification or successfully obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
Must successfully complete a criminal background check with satisfactory results and all DCFS paperwork within 60 days of hire.
Strong understanding and working knowledge of DCFS standards and regulations.
Knowledge of the philosophy of public recreation with the ability to effectively communicate it to others.
Proven technical knowledge of the position’s responsibilities and requirements.
Dependable, flexible, and committed to maintaining a safe environment, with the ability to exercise sound judgment.
Ability to understand and follow established rules, procedures, and instructions.
Ability to read, write, maintain records, and organize classroom materials effectively.
Ability to assist with planning, leading, and supervising activities that support children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.
Ability to use positive, developmentally appropriate guidance and behavior-management techniques.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive, respectful, and supportive workplace.

Nice To Haves

Early childhood college credits and previous experience in a DCFS-licensed program are preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist Lead Teachers with daily classroom activities, routines, transitions, and supervision.
Prepare and organize classroom materials, learning areas, and supplies, and assist with classroom cleanup.
Serve as an Enrichment Support Instructor by helping facilitate activities and supervise children during enrichment programs.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Classroom Coordinator and the Early Childhood Director.
Support Lead Teachers with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lessons, classroom activities, and daily routines.
Supervise children during meals, snacks, rest periods, transitions, free play, and large-motor activities.
Encourage children’s independence and responsibility by assisting with toileting, personal hygiene, cleanup, and other classroom routines.
Sit with children during meals and snacks and encourage appropriate mealtime behavior and healthy nutrition habits.
Remind parents and guardians to properly sign their children in and out of the program and support professional communication with families.
Assist Enrichment Instructors with preparing and delivering age-appropriate activities that support children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.
Help prepare program areas, supplies, and equipment before activities and assist with cleanup afterward.
Encourage children’s participation, engagement, cooperation, and successful transitions throughout enrichment activities.
Provide individualized assistance and support to children as needed to promote an inclusive and positive program experience.
Complete required cleaning and sanitation charts and sanitize classroom materials in accordance with DCFS requirements.
Maintain attendance records, naptime notices, daily reports, and other required documentation when assigned or in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
Administer physician-prescribed medication only when properly authorized and trained, and accurately document all medication administered in accordance with program procedures.
Maintain professional standards of personal hygiene, appearance, and conduct.
Follow all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations of the Glencoe Park District, Children’s Circle, the Early Childhood Enrichment Program, and DCFS.
Supervise children during activities, routines, transitions, and play to ensure their safety and well-being.
Engage directly with children through meaningful interactions, activities, and play, including communicating at eye level and actively participating in group and floor activities.
Use positive, developmentally appropriate guidance and behavior-management techniques consistent with program policies and philosophy.
Maintain clean, safe, and organized program areas and ensure the proper use and care of materials, equipment, and facilities.
Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality, promptly notify the appropriate supervisor when unable to report to work, and follow established procedures for securing a substitute.
Attend required staff meetings, program functions, training sessions, and professional-development activities.