Preschool Assistant Teacher

Summary:
The Preschool Assistant Teacher supports the Preschool Teacher and Preschool Director in planning, instructing, and evaluating assigned classes. This role helps implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum while ensuring a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for all students.

Work Schedule: M-F, 8:30am-12:30pm, September - May 

Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 18 with a high school diploma.


• Some higher education in early childhood education and prior experience in a DCFS-licensed program preferred.


• Strong interest in early childhood development, including physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth.


• Willingness to learn and adhere to Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing standards (Part 407), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation guidelines, and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Early Childhood Learning Standards.


• Ability to assist in planning, organizing, and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum.


• Demonstrated ability to create a warm, nurturing, and inclusive environment while maintaining appropriate discipline.


• Energetic, cheerful, and enthusiastic demeanor suitable for a preschool setting.


• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills to foster a positive and collaborative work environment.


• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in planning and conducting classroom activities in alignment with curriculum guidelines and ISBE Early Childhood Learning Standards.


• Gather necessary materials and supplies, notifying the director of any procurement needs.


• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, ensuring proper upkeep of equipment and materials.


• Support the observation, documentation, and assessment of children's growth and development, assisting with progress reports.


• Foster parent engagement through classroom visits, conferences, and participation in school events.


• Supervise all activities to ensure children's safety, maintaining direct sight supervision at all times, with auditory supervision allowed only for short intervals (e.g., restroom breaks, retrieving personal items).


• Engage with children throughout the day, participating in play, group activities, mealtimes, and story sessions.


• Encourage children's independence by assisting in the development of self-care routines.


• Review and proofread the monthly newsletter for accuracy.


• Comply with all policies and procedures outlined in the Park District Employee Policy Manual.


• Participate in the Park District Safety and Training Program to promote a safe environment.


• Ensure participant safety and promptly address any incidents, completing necessary reports.


• Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to enrolled families and staff.

Marginal Functions:

• Complete a minimum of 15 clock hours of annual training in early childhood education or early childhood special education.


• Attend required orientations, staff training sessions, and meetings as directed by the Park District, Preschool Director, or Recreation Supervisor.


• Stay informed about children's special needs and administer prescribed medications as necessary.


• Participate in Park District staff meetings.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift objects up to 40 pounds.


• Capability to stand for extended periods throughout the workday.


• Ability to navigate stairs.


• Ability to transition from standing to floor level and back up.


• Ability to bend, stretch, and move materials as needed.


• Sufficient vision to supervise children and read materials.


• Sufficient hearing to address children's verbal needs.


• Dexterity to handle door handles, file drawers, binders, zippers, and buttons.

Full description of benefits please visit: Job Opportunities