Preschool Teacher

VERNON HILLS PARK DISTRICT•Vernon Hills, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing the approved preschool curriculum, fostering a safe and nurturing environment that promotes children's growth and exploration. This role requires a strong knowledge of early childhood development and experience working with children. The teacher will collaborate with colleagues, create an engaging learning environment, maintain classroom structure, ensure student safety, and build positive relationships with students and families. The position also involves attending staff meetings, participating in special events, and performing other duties as assigned to support the program's success. The role also emphasizes safety and risk management, psychological considerations such as dealing with people under stressful situations, and physiological considerations like occasional lifting. Environmental considerations include working in various weather conditions, and cognitive considerations involve subject matter knowledge, good judgment, and appropriate handling of participant behaviors.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of early childhood development.
Experience working with children.
Associate's Degree with a minimum of 18 credits in Early Childhood Education, or previous teaching experience in a preschool setting preferred.
Ability to commit to the full duration of the program.
Self-motivated, responsible, and reliable.
CPR certification (or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire).
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to maintain a positive and safe learning environment.

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree with a minimum of 18 credits in Early Childhood Education, or previous teaching experience in a preschool setting

Responsibilities

Plan and implement developmentally-appropriate lessons based on the approved curriculum that align with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and/or the Illinois Early Learning Guidelines for Children Birth to Age 3.
Collaborate and co-plan lessons and activities with colleagues to ensure consistency and alignment with program goals.
Create a warm, safe, and engaging environment that promotes children's growth, exploration, independence and learning while respecting and valuing diversity.
Maintain clear expectations and classroom structure, using positive and developmentally appropriate strategies to guide behavior.
Ensure student safety and supervision throughout the duration of the program.
Exhibit professionalism by being dependable and punctual, preparing all necessary materials in advance, and ensuring classes start and end on time.
Build positive relationships with students and their families, maintaining open lines of communication in-person, through the established app, and conferences as needed.
Allow time for setup and cleanup, and help maintain a clean, organized classroom and storage area.
Attend scheduled staff meetings/trainings.
Participate in and assist with special events, both during and outside of regular school hours.
Attend required CPR training and maintain certification.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the program's success.
Maintains a working knowledge of all general agency and departmental-specific safety rules.
Uses material handling equipment or staff assistance when lifting and or moving objects 30 pounds or less.
Reports any work-related or patron injuries to supervisor promptly.
Attends required safety program and in-service education meetings.
Corrects unsafe conditions and/or reports them to supervisor.
Must work closely with co-workers and the general public.
Experiences ongoing concerns for all safety and liability issues.
Must have ability to deal with other people under stressful situations.
The Preschool Teacher may also have to work under stressful situations when First Aid or CPR are required.
Lifting is occasional, usually 30 pounds or less.
The teacher may need to respond to situations quickly and accurately.
May be required to work during various weather conditions, including hot temperatures.
Must be knowledgeable about subject matter and constantly strive for improvement.
Must use good judgment at all times and be aware of immediate surroundings.
Must be able to respond to and handle participant behaviors in a positive appropriate manner.