Director-Qualified Lead Teacher

Do you enjoy instilling a love of learning in children? Do you believe kids flourish from hands-on experience, playing with their classmates, and mutual respect between teachers and students? Then this might be the job for you!

About us: Har Zion Early Childhood Center (Har Zion ECC) is a play-based preschool, serving children ages two-to-five, in River Forest, IL. We believe that children are capable, and best served when families partner with educators to create a lifelong love of learning. We accomplish this through exploration, creativity, collaboration, and Jewish tradition. We are Reggio-Emilia inspired, and tailor our curriculum to the wants and needs of each class.

We welcome teachers and students of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. As such, we model and integrate the values that are common across many religions, such as acts of kindness, social action, and care of the earth.

Position Summary: As program lead of the “Afternoon Explorers,” work with your co-teachers to help two-to-five year olds grow into successful, caring community members. Besides being responsible for the safety and welfare of the children in our extended learning program, nurture a fun learning environment that develops children’s cognitive, social, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead the extended learning portion of our day from 3:30 to 6:00 pm. This includes partnering with and guiding fellow teachers in running a successful program.
• With your team, plan and implement the daily set of activities based on principles of child development and in accordance with the school’s curriculum.
• Implement policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of a preschool, including developmentally appropriate practices.
• Develop a positive relationship with each child, and promote the development of their self esteem and self discipline.
• Establish a constructive relationship with each child’s family, and share information about the child’s day at school.
• Provide observation, documentation, and assessment of children to support and reflect on children’s learning and development.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be a director-qualified lead teacher (as per DCFS rules).
• Prior experience effectively teaching in an early childhood program.
• Proven success in working collaboratively.
• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Leadership expertise, problem-solving skills, and dependability are essential.
• All applicants must meet DCFS criteria, including successful background check and education requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Be able to lift and carry 35 lbs.
• Be able to walk, squat/kneel, sit on the floor, see, hear, and speak with children to ensure children’s health and safety.
• Be able to keep up with active, young children.

Education

• Required: High school diploma or GED.
• Required: Applicants must have the experience and education needed for a director-qualified lead teacher per DCFS rules.
• Strongly preferred: Associates or Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education.

Benefits:

• Paid holidays.
• Accrued PTO.
• Preschool tuition discount (some restrictions apply).

Hours: Typically, Monday - Thursday, 3:00 - 6:00 pm year round, but may vary based on the needs of the preschool. Occasional evening events and meetings.