Preschool Instructor

Wheeling Park District•Wheeling, IL

5d•$18 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Lead Instructor supervises classroom activities and daily routines, builds positive and nurturing relationships with children and parents, and coordinates daily classroom preparation with the Teacher Assistant. The role prepares and implements lesson plans in alignment with the preschool curriculum and planning timeline, reviews monthly plans and activities with the Preschool Director and Preschool Assistant Instructor, and maintains classroom organization, program records, and participation documentation. The instructor reports accidents, incidents, and inappropriate behavior, evaluates the program and recommends improvements, and follows Park District policies, procedures, and safety requirements. The position also attends program events, required training, in-service sessions, and workshops. The role is based primarily at the Community Recreation Center and includes indoor and outdoor duties.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Education, Early Childhood, or a closely related field from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited college or university is preferred; alternatively, an associate degree in Education or Early Childhood from an accredited college or university, or at least three years of teaching experience with young children.
Ability to prepare, organize, and implement creative lesson plans.
Ability to work with an assigned Teacher Assistant.
Ability to operate a computer and use word-processing software.
Demonstrated initiative, dependability, good judgment, tact, leadership, and ability to work positively with students, families, and Park District staff.
Consistent attendance and punctuality.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
CPR/AED certification, or ability to earn it within 60 days.
Knowledge of preschool curriculum principles, practices, and objectives.
Ability to read and understand printed material and good organizational skills.
Ability to meet the physical requirements, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs, twisting, talking, hearing, handling or operating objects, tools, or controls, reaching, and occasionally walking on uneven ground or lifting and moving up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Education, Early Childhood, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Supervise classroom activities and daily routines.
Build nurturing, positive relationships with children and parents.
Coordinate daily class preparation with the Teacher Assistant and assign assistant duties.
Prepare the classroom and clean up daily; maintain a clean, organized work environment.
Prepare written lesson plans and submit them to the Preschool Director according to the curriculum planning timeline.
Review monthly lesson plans and activities with the Preschool Director and Preschool Assistant Instructor.
Attend scheduled orientations, open houses, informational nights, required training and safety programs, in-service training, and workshops.
Complete required forms and report accidents, incidents, or inappropriate behavior to the Preschool Director.
Evaluate the preschool program and submit recommendations for improvements and program changes.
Maintain required program records and class participation documentation.
Work safely and comply with Park District policies, procedures, and work and safety rules.
Support and demonstrate the organization's stated values.
Arrive consistently and on time, 30 minutes before class begins.
Use good judgment and perform other duties or special projects as assigned.