Preschool/PreK Teacher Assistant (Part-Time)

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 supervision of the Children’s Circle Classroom Coordinator, the Assistant Teacher supports Lead Teachers in the full‑day Children’s Circle Preschool program. This is an hourly, non‑exempt position. Work hours will vary based on program scheduling needs. Compensation will be determined according to qualifications, experience, and the recommendation of the Early Childhood Program Director. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalency certificate required. Must be at least 19 years old or older. Early childhood college credits and previous experience in a DCFS‑licensed program are preferred. General knowledge of DCFS licensing standards and developmentally appropriate practices is required. Use of developmentally appropriate discipline methods required. Good oral and written communication skills required. Develop and contribute to a harmonious workplace within the center. First Aid/CPR/AED certification within three months of hire. Food Handler certificate within 30 days of hire. All DCFS paperwork within 60 days of hire. All employees must pass a criminal background check, which the Glencoe Park District will cover. Required Knowledge Strong understanding and working knowledge of DCFS standards and regulations. Knowledge of the philosophy of public recreation with the ability to effectively communicate it to others. Proven technical knowledge of the position’s responsibilities and requirements. Required Skills Dependable and flexible, with strong safety awareness and sound judgment. Ability to understand and follow rules, procedures, and instructions. Skilled in reading, writing, and organizing materials effectively. Ability to assist in planning and supervising activities that promote children’s healthy emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Maintain good personal hygiene and a neat appearance. Shall follow policies of the center and of the Glencoe Park District. Shall provide input into lesson planning. Take responsibility for the upkeep of the classroom, equipment, and facilities. Remind parents to sign their child “in” and “out” when entering and leaving the center. Shall assist children in establishing good toileting and personal hygiene habits. Supervise all activities to ensure safety. Interact directly with the children throughout the day. Speak with the children at eye level, be seated on the floor during group times, and interact with them during free play and large motor activities. Assist children in clean‑up activities. Be seated during all meals/snacks with the children and assist in the development of good nutrition habits. Be willing to participate in activities leading to professional growth in child development. Maintain prompt hours; notify the Classroom Coordinator in the event of illness. Secure a substitute for any days absent from work. Attend staff meetings and school functions. Perform other duties as assigned. Records and Reports Keep all cleaning charts updated; sanitize materials according to DCFS regulations. Administer physician‑prescribed medication with written parental authorization; chart all prescription medications. Maintain naptime notices, attendance records, and daily information in the absence of the classroom lead teacher. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand for extended periods. Work requires handling light and simple‑weight materials or equipment requiring limited effort. Requires ability to lift 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform essential functions. 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. Work Environment Work usually takes place in clean, pleasant, and comfortable office conditions. The noise level is usually moderate but occasionally loud. Hours The Children’s Circle program operates Monday through Friday from 12:30 PM to 5:45 PM. Due to the nature of Park District programming, evening, weekend, and some holiday hours are to be expected. 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 IMRF Defined Benefit Pension Paid Leave (6 days/48 hours) Park District Issued Apparel Park District Membership, Passes, and Program and Rental Discounts Equal Opportunity Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Glencoe Park District