Prairie Playschool Lead Instructor PM

# Prairie Playschool Lead Instructor PMPeck Farm Park - Geneva, IL 60134## Overview Salary Range $18.00 - $20.00 Hourly Level Experienced Position  Type Part Time Job Shift Day Education  Level High School Category Recreation ## Description
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* Summary:

** The Prairie Playschool Lead Instructor will guide nature-based preschool programs for children aged 3 to 5, primarily outdoors. This role is based on a forest school model and takes place at the Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center. Instructors will teach children through play, activities, and hands-on exploration, fostering a love for nature while encouraging self-care, social skills, and developmentally appropriate learning.

Classes run Monday
- Thursday between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM, and instructors are limited to under 1,000 hours per year.
** Supervisor:
** The Prairie Playschool Lead Instructor Reports to the Peck Farm Program Coordinator, Manager of Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center, Superintendent of Recreation and the Executive Director.## Qualifications
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* Qualifications:

*** Maintain current CPR and Standard First Aid certifications or obtain within 1 month of hire.
* Knowledge or experience in local wildlife, ecology, natural history, or biology is preferred.
* A degree in education or science disciplines is preferred but not required.
* Minimum of 1-year experience working with preschool-aged children.
* Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, good judgment, and safety awareness.
* Effective communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with co-workers, supervisors, and the public.
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* Essential Functions:

*** Maintain a safe learning environment.
* Supervise the arrival and dismissal of children.
* Lead and instruct preschool classes (3-year-olds and/or 4-5-year-olds) focused on nature education, social skills, and early childhood development concepts (e.g., counting, colors, letters).
* Assist with weekly lesson planning.
* Demonstrate a passion for teaching and patience when handling behavior challenges or developmental differences.
* Adapt lesson plans and teaching methods to meet the interests and needs of individual children, ensuring that all children are engaged and learning.
* Communicate with parents through various channels, including email, in-person discussions, and online platforms.
* Set up, maintain, and organize program materials, including sensory bins and outdoor supplies.
* Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and special events as scheduled by the Program Coordinator.
* Follow and enforce all Park District policies and safety guidelines.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
** Communications:
*** Inform the Program Coordinator, Manager of Peck Farm Interpretive Center, and other staff members of all pertinent matters.
* Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships among staff members, program participants, and public-at-large.
* Establish a pleasant attitude on the telephone and in person.
** Safety Program**:
* Understand the Park District safety procedures and requirements.  This includes completion and follow-through on all accident reports, emergency safety procedures, reporting of hazardous equipment, facilities or conditions and the conduct of any employee under his/her supervision.  Reports all incidents and potential hazards to the Safety Committee as soon as possible.
** Marginal Functions:
*** Complete other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator, Facilities Manager of Peck Farm Interpretive Center, Superintendent of Recreation or Executive Director.
* Assist all employees of the Park District as needed.
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* Physical Requirements:

*** The job is primarily outdoors and involves exposure to varying weather conditions, including precipitation and wildlife (e.g., insects, plants).
* Physical requirements include standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and performing tasks that involve stooping, kneeling, or climbing.
* Reasonable accommodations will be made for employees with disabilities.
** Cognitive Considerations:
*** Provide a caring atmosphere for children to learn.
* Resolve differences and problems that arise with patrons and work together with employees.
* The Instructor must exhibit good problem-solving ability and good judgment in keeping with the mission of the Park District.
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