Three/Four's Co-Lead/Lead Teacher (Full-Time)

Job Description

Job Description

The Glencoe Park District is a nationally accredited, Gold Medal Award–winning agency dedicated to enriching lives, building community, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Our Children’s Circle program is a licensed, full-day early childhood school offering a safe, nurturing, play-based environment that encourages hands-on learning, meaningful interactions, and active exploration for busy families. Join a mission-driven team that invests in its staff and supports professional growth.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Children’s Circle Classroom Coordinator and in collaboration with the Lead Teacher, the Full-Time Co-Lead Teacher supports the daily operation of the assigned classroom and assists in implementing curriculum, classroom routines, and child supervision. The Co-Lead Teacher serves as a collaborative classroom partner and assumes Lead Teacher responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Teacher.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• At least two years of college credit (30 college credits), including six hours in Early Childhood Education from an accredited institution.
• An Early Childhood Education degree or a degree in a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience in a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)-licensed program is preferred.
• General knowledge of DCFS and/or IL Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) licensing standards and developmentally appropriate practice is required.
• DCFS Director Qualifications strongly preferred but not required.
• Must possess First Aid/CPR/AED Certification and/or able to obtain within six months of hire.
• Food Handler Certificate within 30 days of hire.
• DCFS and/or IDEC Lead and Assistant Qualifications and Certificates Top of Form.
• Complete all DCFS and/or IDEC required paperwork within 60 days of hire.
• All full-time employees must pass a criminal background check, drug test, and physical exam, which the Glencoe Park District will cover.

Required Knowledge:

• Must possess knowledge of DCFS licensing standards.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
• Ability to provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Ability to adapt to classroom activities and programs to meet the individual needs of each child
• Must be able to evaluate and monitor the developmental progress of individual children in the classroom.

Required Skills:

• Ability to plan and supervise a developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates the use of developmentally appropriate discipline methods.
• Exhibits warmth, acceptance, and consistent nurturing in interactions with children.
• Contributes to a harmonious and collaborative workplace through positive relationships with coworkers.
  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with implementation of lesson plans and classroom activities developed in collaboration with the Lead Teacher. Support and supervise activities that promote healthy emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and well-maintained classroom environment, , including educational materials and equipment.
• Assist with maintaining documentation related to each child’s growth and development.
• Support communication with families in coordination with the Lead Teacher
• Assist with parent meetings and classroom events as needed Support supervise of classroom and outdoor activities to help ensure the safety of each child at all times.
• Assist children with self-care routines.
• Help children with clean-up activities throughout the day.
• Administer prescribed medications according to Park District and DCFS guidelines.
• Work additional hours as needed to support program needs.
• Interact with children in a kind, compassionate, and positive
• Engage with children throughout the day by speaking at their eye level and participating during free play and large motor activities when possible.
• Follow all Park District policies and DCFS regulations.
• Provide input or classroom updates for weekly communications to Lead Teacher and/or Classroom Coordinator as needed.
• Collaborate with and support the Lead Teacher in implementing classroom routines, activities, transitions, and daily operations.
• Assume Lead Teacher responsibilities and classroom leadership in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the Lead Teacher regarding classroom needs, child development concerns, routines, and daily operations.
• Assist the Lead Teacher or Classroom Coordinator with Family Pledge meetings or outside resource conversations when requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

An employee performing the essential functions of the Children’s Circle Co-Lead Teacher position must meet the requirements outlined below. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required:

• Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and move for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Lift, carry, and safely assist children weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Lift, carry, and handle classroom materials, supplies, and equipment of light to moderate weight.
• Perform repetitive movements such as reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping while carrying out classroom activities and daily routines.

Psychological Demands:

Must demonstrate a strong customer service orientation, exercise sound judgment, remain calm under pressure, and interact professionally with children, parents, coworkers, and the public, including in challenging situations.

Work Environment:

Work usually takes place in clean, pleasant, and comfortable office conditions. The noise level is usually moderate but occasionally loud.

Hours:

Regular scheduled hours for this position are 8:30- 5:30 PM.  Work schedules may vary based on operational and programming needs. Children's Circle operates Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Due to the nature of Park District operations and programming, employees may be required to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as needed.

Pay Scale:

This is a Full-Time, non-exempt position. The intended starting annual pay for this position is $24.85 per hour, with a full pay scale ranging from $24.85 per hour to $36.03 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 or the Executive Director.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, and Hearing coverage
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
• Life Insurance (basic & voluntary additional coverage)
• Participation in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) - Defined Benefit Pension
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (IMRF)
• Supplemental Benefits (Aflac)
• Employee Assistance Program
• 457 Defined Contribution Plans
• Medical and Childcare Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off (sick, vacation, floating holidays and personal time) & Paid Family Leave
• Public Commuter Transit Benefit
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Park District Membership, 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.