Early Childhood Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Early Childhood Program and Administrative Specialist, the Early Childhood Enrichment Support Instructor provides direct support to children in enrichment programs by fostering a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. This role also provides assistance with behavior management, facilitating age-appropriate activities, and encouraging each child's social, emotional, and developmental growth.

This is a part-time, hourly position. Work hours are based on program schedules and operational needs. Compensation is determined based on qualifications, experience, and recommendation of the Early Childhood Program and Admin Specialist.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate required.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.

• Early childhood college credits are preferred.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification within three months of hire.
• All employees must pass a criminal background check, which the Glencoe Park District will cover.
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Required Knowledge:

• Strong understanding and practical knowledge of early childhood education practices.
• Knowledge of public recreation philosophy.

Required Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Ability to read, write, and organize instructional and program materials.
• Ability to plan, implement, and lead age-appropriate activities for children.
• Demonstrated patience, professionalism, and a positive attitude when working with children.
• Emotional maturity and sound judgment when interacting with children, parents, and staff.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, respectful, and cooperative relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Warm, nurturing, dependable, and enthusiastic approach to working with young children.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain professional standards of personal hygiene, appearance, and conduct at all times.
• Comply with all policies, procedures, and regulations of the Children's Circle program and of the Glencoe Park District.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom, environment including proper care of classroom materials, equipment, and facilities.
• Supervise children and all activities to ensure safety and well-being.
• Engage directly with the children throughout the day through meaningful interactions, activities, and play.
• Interact with children at their developmental level, including speaking at eye level, sitting on the floor during group activities, and participating in free play and large motor activities. Assist and encourage in developing independence and responsibility through clean-up and classroom routines.
• Assist in planning and supervising activities that support each child's emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development. Implement developmentally appropriate guidance and behavior management techniques consistent with program philosophy and policies.
• Participate in training, professional development, and continuing education opportunities related to early childhood education and child development.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Notify the Early Childhood Program and Administrative Specialist as soon as possible when unable to report to work and secure a substitute when absent, in accordance with program procedures.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Demands:

The physical requirements described below are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of the Enrichment Teacher position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the classroom and program areas for extended periods.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and assist children weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to handle and or carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Psychological Demands:

To be successful in this position, the employee must be customer service-oriented and able to interact professionally with individuals of varying needs and backgrounds. The ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused when addressing concerns or difficult situations is essential.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in a classroom, recreation, or program setting that is generally clean, safe, and well-maintained. The noise level is typically moderate to loud due to regular interaction with children and participation in group activities.

This position will also occasional work outdoors and be exposure to varying weather conditions based on activity.

Hours:

This position is typically scheduled Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Work hours may vary and additional hours may be assigned as needed to support program operations and participant needs. Due to the very nature of Park District programming, evening, weekend, and some holiday hours are to be expected.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work the Teacher performs. They do not list all responsibilities, duties, and requirements.

Pay Scale:

This is a part-time, non-exempt (hourly) position. The intended starting pay for this position is $18.31 per hour, with a full pay scale ranging from $18.31 per hour to $26.00 per hour.

Final compensation will be determined in good faith based on an evaluation of the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the recommendation of the Early Childhood Director and/or the Director of Recreation and Facilities.

Benefits Include:

• IMRF Defined Benefit Pension (Grade 2 Only)
  
• Paid Leave (3 days/24hours - Grade 6)
• Park District Issued Apparel
  
• Park District Membership, Passes, and Program and Rental Discounts

*To review the full job description, please contact the hiring manager.

Glencoe Park District is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the human resource manager.