Substitute Preschool Teacher

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction and supervision of the Youth Program Manager, the Substitute Preschool Teacher is responsible for supervising children, maintaining a safe, nurturing and engaging classroom environment and implementing age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans as directed in the absence of the classroom teacher. This position requires an understanding of the guidelines of early childhood education, the ability to effectively implement classroom routines and activities. Additional responsibilities include maintaining effective classroom management, ensuring the health and safety of all participants, communicating professionally with parents and staff, and building positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement preschool curriculum and activities using the State of Illinois Early Learning Standards for Preschool in the absence of the classroom teacher
• Create a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that encourages exploration, creativity and independence
• Instruct students within an 8:1 or 10:1 ratio in a classroom setting and outdoors
• Supervise students at all times including outdoors at recess, ensuring their health, safety and well-being
• Use positive behavior guidance techniques to support children's social and emotional growth
• Foster positive relationships with children, families and staff through open, respectful and professional communication
• Maintain accurate records as required
• Work cooperatively with co-teachers, other team members, and supervisors as a team
• Collaborate with supervisors and fellow staff members to ensure high-quality programming
• Provide high quality customer service which includes greeting the children and parents daily
• Follow all park district policies and procedures
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of classroom, hallway and workroom
• Perform related work as required by the Manager or Coordinator
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Youth Program Manager

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Minimum18 years or older
• Education: Coursework or degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred
• Skills: Knowledge of early childhood milestones, strong classroom management and organizational skills, ability to develop and implement engaging age-appropriate curriculum, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and ability to establish positive relationships with children, parents and coworkers.
• Certifications: CPR, First Aid and AED certification is required or ability to obtain within four weeks
• Competencies: The ability to instruct children 2 ½ - 5 years, plan age-appropriate lessons, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to pass all required background checks

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Your job may entail climbing, running, crawling, bending, kneeling, sitting when working/playing with children. Occasionally movement of supplies, equipment, or moving a child is necessary in which case the maximum weight that you are expected to be able to lift is 50 lbs., though typically it will be less than this. Supervise children outdoors at recess, parent drop-off, or outdoor classroom activities with exposure to natural sunlight, rain, snow, etc. and varying temperatures.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICIES, SAFETY, ETC.

It is expected that all Gurnee Park District Staff comply with the policies and procedures as set forth by the Gurnee Park District Board of Commissioners. Resources that outline these policies and procedures include the Personnel Policy Manual, Safety Manual, Departmental Manual, Area or Job Specific Manuals and other written or verbal procedures as provided by your supervisor. As all situations cannot be documented even in manuals such as these, it is further expected that your actions as an employee are always performed with safety in mind, respect of your fellow staff and customers in mind, and at the direction of your supervisor. The Gurnee Park District has developed the SOFFI Customer Service Standards as a guide to our agency's expectations and recommendations for successful work behavior. It is expected that all staff learn and understand these policies and procedures.

We believe in taking care of our team and supporting our members both professionally and personally. As a valued addition to our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package dependent on your role. Check out our offerings here.