PFA Teacher

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Provide educational leadership in the assigned childcare facilities using a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Illinois State Board of Education Learning Development Standards and the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale.

• Plan and coordinate lesson plans/activities using the Creative Curriculum as cooperatively agreed upon with the co-teacher/early childhood educator.
• Support the literacy program by sending home books with the children weekly and including literacy support from the Creative Curriculum throughout lesson planning and in the classroom.
• Lead or participate in small or large group activities that support the development of children's language, self‑help skills, social cooperation, and positive self‑concepts, as cooperatively agreed upon with the co‑teacher/ early childhood educator.
• Observe, document, assess, and plan for the individual needs of children using the Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment tool as cooperatively agreed upon with the co‑teacher/ early childhood educator.
• Compile children's portfolios and draft individualized developmental plans as agreed upon with the co‑teacher/early childhood educator.
• Participate in the developmental screening of children and the transition into kindergarten.
• Support the development of children's creative, independent thinking, exploring, experimenting, and questioning while providing a literacy‑rich, developmentally appropriate learning environment with assistance and support from the co‑teacher/early childhood educator.
• Work closely with the preschool for all coordinators and co‑teacher/early childhood educators, obtaining information for state‑required reports and scheduling parent‑teacher conferences and other parent‑involvement education activities. Also, participate in the Parent/Child nights.
• Maintain positive and productive relationships with children, parents, and staff members, keeping the needs of families and children in mind.
• Attend events, meetings, and conferences related to CCR&R and ISBE, which may or may not be held on evenings, weekends, or in the summer.
• Must perform other duties as assigned.

• Program goals for early childhood lesson plans and group activities are met or exceeded.
• Effectively documents children's progress and maintains portfolios with individualized plans for all children.
• Maintains a developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Program goals for assisting with children's developmental screening and transition into kindergarten are met.
• Maintains communication with the program manager, Preschool for All coordinator, co‑teachers, and early childhood educators regarding the Preschool for All Program.
• Shows friendly, informative, and professional relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Required reports and files are accurately maintained.
• Maintains Illinois State Board of Education Learning Development Standards throughout lesson plans, classroom, and children's portfolios. Also, maintain the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale at a 5.0 or higher and meet a minimum of 20 hours of professional development.

• Type 04 Early Childhood Teacher Certification or
• Is pursuing a professional educator license and holds
• (A) An ECE Credential Level of 5 awarded by the Department of Human Services under the Gateways to Opportunity Program
• (B) An Educator License with Stipulations with a transitional bilingual educator endorsement
• 1. has passed an early childhood education content test or
• 2. completed no less than 9 semester hours of post‑secondary coursework in early childhood education.
• Must have a bachelor's Degree; a Masters Degree is preferred.
• Early Childhood teaching experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are required.
• Bilingual abilities are a plus.
• Able to be self‑motivated.
• Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively with individuals from various educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Must have an automobile and/or reliable transportation to complete all work‑related travel assignments with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• May be required to carry, lift, or move equipment, material, or supplies weighing up to 40 lbs. Be able to travel occasionally and attend or participate in occasional evening and/or weekend, in and out‑of‑office agency programs, meetings, and events during the school year and the summer months.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.