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

Children's Circle Co-Lead Teacher

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.
• 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.

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