Children's Circle ADA Companion (Part-Time)

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Children’s Circle Classroom Coordinator, the ADA Companion provides direct support to an assigned child(ren) in the full-day Children’s Circle program, ensuring safety, inclusion, and participation in all classroom activities.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Must be at least 19 years of age.


• Early Childhood or Special Education credits preferred.


• Previous experience in a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)-licensed program preferred.


• General knowledge of DCFS licensing standards and developmentally appropriate practices required.


• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification within three months of hire.


• Food Handler Certification required within 30 days of hire..


• Completion of all DCFS-required documentation within 60 days of hire.

• All employees must pass a criminal background check, which the Glencoe Park District will

Required Knowledge:

• Understanding of DCFS standards, licensing requirements, and classroom compliance expectations.


• Knowledge of child development (physical, social, emotional, and cognitive).


• Familiarity with developmentally appropriate practices and classroom support strategies.


• Awareness of inclusive practices and ability to support children with varying needs.

Required Skills:

• Ability to follow directions and implement classroom procedures consistently.


• Strong supervision skills with a focus on child safety.


• Effective verbal and written communication skills.


• Ability to build positive relationships with children, staff, and families.


• Dependable, flexible, and able to adapt to changing classroom needs.


• Demonstrates appropriate behavior management and guidance techniques.


• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive team environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct, one-on-one support to assigned child(ren) throughout all daily activities.


• Ensure the safety and well-being of the assigned child at all times.


• Support participation in classroom activities, including art, music, literacy, science, and math.


• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities.


• Promote children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.


• Assist assigned child with toileting, hygiene, and self-care needs, including diapering as needed.


• Support positive behavior and assist with transitions throughout the day.


• Engage with children at their level during play, meals, and structured activities.


• Remain seated with or next to the assigned child during meals/snacks to support appropriate behavior and habits.


• Assist with classroom setup, organization, and clean-up of materials and equipment.


• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment.


• Remind parents/guardians to sign children in/out using Brightwheel.


• Collaborate with classroom staff to support inclusion and overall classroom functioning.


• Maintain regular attendance and communicate absences promptly; assist in securing coverage when needed.


• Provide regular updates to the Classroom Coordinator regarding child progress, concerns, or incidents.


• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and in-services.


• Follow all Park District policies and procedures.


• Immediately report accidents, injuries, or concerns following District procedures.


• Ensure compliance with all DCFS licensing standards and requirements.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

An employee performing the essential functions of the Part-Time Children’s Circle ADA Companion position must meet the requirements outlined below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.  

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or kneel move for extended periods.


• Ability to lift, carry, and assist children up to 50 lbs.


• Ability to handle classroom materials and equipment of light to moderate weight.
  

Psychological Demands:

To be successful, an individual must be customer service oriented and able to deal with patrons with various needs. Work has the potential to involve dealing with angry customers. 

Hours:

The Children's Circle program operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The shift hours for this posting are 10:30 AM to 3:30 p.m. Due to the nature of Park District programming, evening, weekend, and some holiday hours are to be expected. 

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work the Assistant Teacher performs. They do not list all responsibilities, duties, and requirements.

Pay Scale:

This is a part-time, non-exempt (hourly) position. The intended starting pay for this position is $18.31 per hour, with a full pay scale ranging from $18.31 per hour to $26.00 per hour.

Final compensation will be determined in good faith based on an evaluation of the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the recommendation of the Early Childhood Director and/or the Director of Recreation and Facilities. 

Benefits Include:

• Participation in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Defined Benefit Pension
  


• Paid Leave (6 days/48 hours - Grade 2)


• Three Paid Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's)


• Park District Issued Apparel
  


• Park District Membership, Passes, and Program and Rental Discounts

*To review the full job description, please contact the hiring manager.

Glencoe Park District is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the human resource manager.