Preschool Teacher

Position Type:
Preschool/Preschool Teacher
Date Posted:
4/4/2024
Location:
Barlina House PreschoolTITLE: Preschool Teacher
REPORTS TO: Preschool Director
DIVISION: Facility Services
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CATEGORY: Part Time
WORK HOURS: up to 23 hours per week Monday - Friday / August - May
RATE OF PAY: $16.00 B.O.Q.
LAST REVISED: July 2022
SUMMARY
The Preschool Teacher, under the direction of the Preschool Director, is responsible for planning, teaching and evaluation of their assigned classes. The Preschool Teacher will prepare the children for kindergarten using the Illinois Early Learning Standards as guidelines. Teachers use developmentally appropriate practice for implementing themes and curriculum. Preparation and readiness skills will include reading, literature, writing, math, science, art, music, listening/speaking, gross/fine motor skills and social/emotional readiness.
QUALIFICATIONS
The Director Qualified, Preschool teacher must be DCFS Director Qualified and have a minimum of an Associate of Science Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or the equivalent (defined as an Associate Degree in any field with a minimum of 21 semester hours of college credit in child development, early childhood development or early childhood special education. A Baccalaureate degree in early childhood, child development, elementary education or early childhood special education is preferred. Previous experience in a DCFS licensed program is also preferred.

• Must possess knowledge of Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing standards (Part 407)
• Must posses' knowledge of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Early Childhood Learning Standards.
• Should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of a preschool child's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
• Must be able to plan, organize, and conduct a developmentally appropriate curriculum, adjusting the classroom program to meet children's individual needs.
• Must be able to assess and document the progress of individual children in the classroom.
• Must be able to demonstrate warmth and acceptance of children with consistent nurturing yet provide appropriate discipline.
• Display cheerfulness as well as an outgoing personality with a great amount of energy and enthusiasm.
• Capable of contributing to a harmonious workplace in relationships with coworkers.
• Current CPR, First Aid and AED certifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Gather supplies needed and advise director of any necessary supplies.
• Plan appropriate classroom activities within guidelines of curriculum and ISBE Early Childhood Learning Standards. Lessons should be prepared at least one week in advance and written in lesson plan book.
• Gather supplies needed and advise director of any necessary purchases.
• Provide and maintain a neat, organized classroom, taking responsibility for upkeep of equipment and materials; assisting in clean up activities.
• Maintain notes and records assessing child's growth and development, completing progress reports and screening assessment two times a year.
• Work with parents to promote their understanding of the growth and development of their child in preschool; encourage parent participation through classroom visitation; conference with parents as requested; attend school functions and special day events.
• Supervise all activities to always ensure safety of children. Supervision is primarily by sight; supervision by sound for short intervals only for bathroom use and retrieving backpacks.
• Interact with children throughout the day at their eye level, joining in floor play, group times, snack, and story reading. Assist children in learning self care routines.
• Communicate matters of importance to the Preschool Director in a timely manner.
• Maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters involving families enrolled in the program and staff issues.
• Write a newsletter monthly for class (es) taught, itemizing curriculum, and explaining purposefully planned activities.
• Always ensures the safety of participants and follow-ups on all accident and incident reports immediately.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures outlines in Park District Personnel Policy Manual.
• Participate in park district Safety and Training Program to ensure that work performed, and services provided are implemented in a safe manner.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Must attend a minimum of 15 clock hours of training annually in the field of early childhood and early childhood special education.
• Maintain a current membership with Illinois Gateway Registry
• Attend any orientation, staff training or meetings as arranged by the Park District, Preschool Director, or Recreation Supervisor.
• Maintains knowledge of special needs of children, administering any prescribed medication as necessary.
• Attend Park district employee staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Must be able to life objects less than forty (40) pounds.
• Must be able to be on your feet for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Must be capable of using stairs.
• Must be capable of getting down and up from the floor.
• Must be capable of bending and stretching to pick up and put away toys and equipment.
• Must be capable of seeing to supervise children and read stories.
• Must be capable of hearing to accommodate children's verbal needs.
• Must be capable of grasping doorknobs, file drawers, binders, zippers, and buttons.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Must be able to communicate effectively in verbal situations (use of telephone, small and large group meetings, with children, patrons, and coworkers).
• Must be able to communicate effectively in written situations (newsletter, note- keeping, and assessments).
• Must be able to effectively give and receive verbal and written directions.
• Must be able to maintain a positive mental attitude, and effectively adjust to stressful situations (handling irate customers, groups of children).

PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Prolonged stress and pressure of the position could affect some individual's blood pressure.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Exposure to outdoor climatic and temperature conditions (heat, cold, sun, wind precipitation & humidity).
• Exposure to indoor climate conditions (heat, air-conditioning).
• Exposure to noise and classroom sounds.

COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS
Worker must be able to:

• Exhibit good problem-solving abilities and good judgment.
• Demonstrate good safety awareness.
• Use basic math, reading and writing skills.
• Follow step-by-step procedures and obtain appropriate end results.
• Analyze data to create reports, make recommendations, and strategize appropriate follow-up.
• Communicate effectively and respond appropriately to the needs of internal and external contacts.
• Project a positive image and neat appearance to visitors of the park district.

If at any time during the course of employment the employee is unable to perform the duties, functions, or considerations outlined in this job description, the immediate supervisor should be informed.