Early Childhood Educator

Reporting Relationships: The successful candidate will report directly to the administrative staff of the Norridge Park District, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.

Primary Functions: As a Preschool Teacher Assistant, you will be responsible for adhering to the guidelines set by the Department of Children and Family Services, the educational component, and any other accreditation requirements for the specific program.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide a safe and healthy environment that meets the licensing standards set by DCFS, the educational component, and any other standards specific to the program.

Arrange physical space into learning centers with a variety of materials rotated frequently, ensuring children's materials are separate from teacher supplies.

Create active and quiet areas within the classroom, promoting a conducive learning environment.

Ensure each child has an individual labeled space, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Place dangerous items out of children's reach, prioritizing their safety and well-being.

Maintain proper supervision of children at all times, ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met.

Engage with children and adults in a positive manner, promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Ensure all documentation and individualization are completed in a timely manner, maintaining accurate records.

Conduct assessments, observations, and complete skill check-list reports for each child, as required.

Schedule and conduct parent-teacher conferences, fostering open communication with parents and guardians.

Participate in educational staffing meetings, contributing to the development of curriculum and instructional strategies.

Plan activities and methods that meet the child's basic and educational needs, incorporating the Illinois Early Learning Standards.

Adapt curriculum to meet the individual needs of all children, including those with special needs.

Collaborate with the team to plan the daily routine, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.

Identify areas of weakness and request assistance to improve performance, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth.

Work with the team to regularly review the educational component of the program, making recommendations for improvement.

Ensure appropriate child care safety, health, and nutritional standards are met, prioritizing the well-being of children.

Qualifications:

Educational:

Must be at least 19 years of age.

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of credits from an accredited college or university, with 6 semester or 9 quarter hours in courses directly related to child care, early childhood, and/or child development from birth to age 6.

One year (1560 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center, with six semester hours or nine quarter hours in courses related to child care and/or child development from birth to age six.

Completion of credentialing programs approved by DCFS, such as Child Development Associate (CDA) or Child Care Professional (CCP), with the understanding that the teacher will be participating in classes leading to an associate's or baccalaureate degree program.

Required paperwork relevant to DCFS and the Norridge Park District must be on file.

DCFS background check required.

Personal and Programmatic:

Emotional maturity when working with children.

Cooperation with the purposes and services of the program.

Respect for children and adults.

Flexibility, understanding, and patience.

Listening skills, availability, and responsiveness to children.

Sensitivity to children's socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds and individual needs and capabilities.

Use of positive discipline and guidance techniques.

Ability to provide an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy, and involved in play, recreation, and other activities.

Skills to help children meet their developmental and emotional needs.

Skills in planning, directing, and conducting activities that meet the child's basic and educational needs.

Ability to communicate effectively and clearly in speech and writing.

Physical Constraints Required Include:

To hear the conversational voice with or without a hearing aid.

The ability to see and read newsprint with or without corrective lenses.

To speak and be understood under normal circumstances.

To lift and carry children and items weighing up to 50 pounds.

The use of arms, hands, legs, and feet with or without corrective devices to accomplish the job, including the evacuation of the building during emergencies.