Teacher – Child Development

Teacher – Child Development

Under general supervision, a Teacher - Child Development Center leads the classroom team in maintaining a nurturing classroom environment that offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that meets the needs of the individual children and families in the classroom and is aligned with the educational and philosophical goals of the program.

A Teacher-Child Development Teacher also provides supervision and mentoring to teacher assistants, aides and practicum students in the classroom. Performs related duties as required.

Essential Duties

• Adheres to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct, demonstrating a professional attitude and work ethic, and respect for children, families, and colleagues.

• Develops and implements a child centered, play-based curriculum that provides for developmentally appropriate activities to promote children’s development in the areas of language and literacy, cognition, social-emotional well-being, and physical health.

• Ensures classroom team and curriculum adheres to the Center’s goals and educational mission; accreditation agencies’ standards; licensing requirements; and funding source/ grant regulations.

• Provides a nurturing, stimulating, non-punitive, and culturally sensitive environment that encourages language, self-expression, exploration, creativity, imaginative play, thinking skills, and the development of positive relationships.

• Provides a safe, clean, orderly, and healthy environment for children, instructing them on personal hygiene/hand washing, personal safety practices and related topics. Maintains constant supervision over classroom activities and children.

• Reports accidents, injuries, and illnesses to parents and supervisors. Reports suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to authorities as a mandated reporter under state law.

• Maintains a positive work relationship with parents, ensuring parents are warmly received by staff, and that communication about their child’s activities and experiences at the Center is provided through daily contact, scheduled conferences and written progress reports.

• Oversees and participates in the completion of paperwork, logs and records, as well as documentation to assess individual children and the class as a whole.

• Supervises and mentors teacher assistants, student teachers, work study students, and volunteers in the classroom.

• Participates in monthly district teacher meetings, sharing information on child development issues, classroom strategies, and professional development / training opportunities. May provide professional development workshops to staff as required.

• Implements team meetings with classroom staff and support staff/consultants to discuss curriculum, classroom activities, and strategies for addressing student needs.

• Works with District’s Education Manager and Site Directors to ensure classroom quality. Complies with action and professional development plans created by Site Director and Education Manager for implementation.

• Supervises and mentors practicum students working in the classroom, providing guidance with the development and implementation of lesson plans, observing interactions with the children, and providing feedback.

• Reviews and discusses performance of practicum students, expectations and other requirements with the practicum supervisor.

• Attends and participates in professional development sessions, gateway approved training provided by the state and city agencies (i.e. DFSS, CPS) and other outside resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Child Development/ Early Childhood Education.

• Master’s Degree and bilingual preferred.

• Illinois Professional Education License in Early Childhood Education (formerly called type 04 teaching certificate)

• Illinois Gateway ICE credential minimum level 4 or be willing to obtain within 1 year of employment.

• ESL and/or bilingual endorsement preferred.

• Two years of work experience working with children in a preschool setting.

• Must demonstrate a warm, supportive attitude towards children and their families.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability

• Knowledge of child development / early childhood development.

• Knowledge of teaching strategies.

• Knowledge and understanding of the physical, social, cognitive and emotional needs of students.

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.

• Ability to handle situations with tact and diplomacy.

• Ability to create developmentally appropriate lessons.

• Ability to interact in a positive manner with children and staff, in particular practicum students.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.

Worker Characteristics

• Initiative – Demonstrate willingness to take on responsibilities and job challenges.

• Attention to Detail – Pay careful attention to detail and thoroughness in completing work tasks.

• Dependability – Demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and dependability and fulfill obligations.

• Technology Savvy – Capable user of technology who understands the role of technology in the institution and who will guide and support its efficient and effective use.