Teacher, Odyssey Class (4.5 to 5 years old)

First Presbyterian Preschool Teacher/Co-Teacher, Odyssey Class (4.5 – 5 years old)
2024 – 2025 School Year

If you would like to apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to sbrunner@firstchurchlf.org.

First Presbyterian Preschool is looking for qualified candidates to fill a position as part of a teaching team in an exciting and rewarding early childhood educational setting. We are looking for someone capable of enriching the lives of young children with skills and values to be successful learners. In addition to the standard qualifications listed below, we are particularly interested in someone who is warm, nurturing, energetic and understanding of the social and emotional needs of young children.

Job Description

Part Time Position from 8:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 

Position is for a 4-day program (M-THU)

Functions as part of a teaching team, must be able to bend and stoop, sit at a child’s eye level and participate in all early childhood daily work activities.

Arrives 45 minutes prior to the start of the session and remains 15 minutes following the close of the session.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Exercise appropriate and positive discipline as established by school policy.
• Maintain records, notes, and ongoing observations for the classroom and administration.
• Nurture children to develop independence through a positive environment according to the school’s philosophy.
• Provide ongoing screening and assessment of each child’s development.
• Understand and maintain ratios at all times.
• Keep children in sight and sound for proper supervision per age level requirements.
• Be aware of and understand the children’s special medical needs (i.e. asthma, allergies, chronic illness, seizures)
• Sensitivity to children’s socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds and individual needs and capabilities.
• Facilitates child-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Plans, supervises and implements the program for the class in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the Preschool.
• Is responsible for the creative arrangement, appearance, décor and learning environment of the classroom.
• Prepares lesson plans and daily schedules with the teaching team.
• Keep records of children’s progress throughout the year.
• Is mindful of needs of individual children with attention to their interests, handicaps, talents and individual learning styles.
• Plans and implements effective ongoing communication with parents.
• Conducts scheduled parent-teacher conferences: This shall include the fall Parent Share, mid-year parent-teacher conference and written end of the year summary report.
• Notifies and involves the Director in any unusual circumstances involving teachers, children or parents.
• Attends all staff meetings and participates in public-relations/fundraising events sponsored by the school.
• Participates in training programs, conferences, courses and other aspects of professional growth for a minimum of 15 hours annually.
• Attends fall orientation events with parents and children prior to the start of the school year and other family events (i.e. Art Fair)
• Assumes a fair share of staff housekeeping responsibilities.
• Evidence of emotional maturity and stability.
• A warm and friendly personality.
• Sensitive to the feelings and needs of others.
• Able to relate well to children and adults.
• A sincere commitment to maintain the highest quality program possible.
• Ability to take directions and work in a team setting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with children, staff and parents.
• Clearly know and understand all emergency policies and procedures. 
• Decision making skills and judgment to handle crisis situations.
• Follows the Employee Policies and Procedures of the Preschool and the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest.

QUALIFICATIONS: Meets Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) requirements:

• 19 years of age with a high school diploma
• 60 semester hours(90 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester hours or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age six OR
• One year(1560 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center and thirty semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of credits related to child care and/or child development, from birth to age six OR Completion of credentialing programs approved by the DCFS