Pre-K Teacher

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Teacher is responsible for the daily planning, management, and supervision of the classroom and children, with the assistants of an Early Childhood Assistant. The Teacher ensures a supportive, nurturing environment that fosters the growth and development of young children and adheres to all state licensing standards. He/she may serve as the Site Director Designee, when needed.

Roles and Responsibilities

 Using the Creative Curriculum, prepares and implements classroom lesson plans, program, and schedule according to state licensing standards; develops, plans, and prepares instructional aids/materials for classroom activities.

 Develops plans that meet the individual needs of children; uses assessment data to inform lesson plans and set individual child-level goals.

 Arranges physical space into learning centers with a variety of materials rotated frequently; arranges physical space to encourage independence and self-selection.

 Complete ongoing observations, developmental screenings, individual child assessments via Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment; identifies and reports to the proper staff person regarding children with potential special needs.

 Schedules field trips and/or guest speakers to support children’s learning and development, aligned with the curriculum.

 Ensures that the children are under proper supervision at all times.

 Ensures that appearance, cleanliness and safe environment of the classroom and outdoor play area are appropriately maintained, according to DCFS licensing standards.

 Completes all academic and classroom paperwork: for example, daily notes, student accident reports, attendance reports.

 Communicates appropriate information to parents; maintains developmental profiles for children; schedules and conducts parent and teacher conferences throughout the year.

 Work with the Site Director and Family Support staff to maintain positive parent involvement; including implementation of family literacy program.

 Obtain at least 15 hours of high-quality, classroom-focused professional development per year.

Supervision

 Directs activities and supervises other staff (Assistants, parent volunteers, etc.) in the classroom to ensure that the classroom functions in an orderly manner.

 Assists in evaluating personnel within the classroom.

Site Director Designee

 When the Director is off-site, may serve in the Site Director role.

 Maintains compliance with DCFS standards.

 Maintains accurate records, such as children's and faculty member's files, to meet both the state's and DCFS's requirements.

 Initiate and maintain a positive relationship with the licensing agent or agency.

 Answer parent emails and phone calls; conduct tours.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education with a Professional Educator's License (PEL).

2. Level 1 Illinois Director Credential OR 3 semester hours of college credit in administration, leadership or management.

3. Preferred candidates will have direct experience with Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and are able to understand and interpret classroom data to improve lesson planning.

4. Minimum of 1 - 2 years teaching experience in a licensed early learning setting; direct supervisory experience is a plus.

5. Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with families, staff, and other stakeholders and constituents and act as a role model to others.

6. Completed background check.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

1. Preferred experience with PFA, COPA, IAFC, DFSS, DCFS and similar systems or agencies.

2. Have a demonstrated track record of delivering gains in student academic achievement

3. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Office applications, databases, intranet and internet usage.

4. Comfortable making decisions for areas of responsibility and applies critical thinking

5. Exhibits a professional demeanor.

6. Ability to express self effectively and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

7. Detail oriented and highly organized.

8. High degree of initiative and independent judgment.

9. Ability to tactfully and effectively interact with staff, students and general public.

10. Maintains a high level of energy and a consistent positive attitude. audiences.

Benefits Summary
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full time employees, including Health insurance, dental, vision, paid vacation, personal days, paid holidays, short and long term disability, paid life insurance, 403B and the Chicago Teachers' Pension fund.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Early Childhood Teachers will be working in a busy and active environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the Teacher will have to supervise all children at all times. Majority of work will be performed in a general classroom/school environment. He/She may be asked to participate and attend organization sponsored events and meetings, such as field trips and network professional development. Early Childhood Teachers may be lifting and carrying children and equipment, and may spend time sitting on the floor or child sized furniture. Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment. Required the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Teachers will also be expected to clean and maintain classroom equipment and furniture. Will frequently physically move moderate distances indoors and outdoors throughout the community or building with children including climbing stairs. Physical demands require to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, walk around the classroom and kneel upwards of 60% of the day. In addition, walking up and down stairs several times a day. Must be able to lift, push and pull 15 to 40 pounds for short periods of time.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter School Network. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.94 - $26.43 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a Illinois PEL or Gateway Level 5 certification?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $26