Instructor Assistant Jobs in Romeoville, IL (NOW HIRING)

Summary:

The Prairie Playschool Assistant Instructor will assist the Lead Instructor in guiding 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 12:30PM and 3:00 PM, and instructors are limited to under 1,000 hours per year. Instructors will assist the Lead with all activities and will be expected to act as the Lead instructor in their absence.

Supervisor:

The Prairie Playschool Assistant Instructor Reports to the Peck Farm Program Coordinator, Manager of Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center, Superintendent of Recreation and the Executive Director.

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 or combination of work and education preferred.
• 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.

Essential Functions:

• Maintain a safe learning environment.
• Supervise the arrival and dismissal of children.
• Assist the Lead to 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 the implementation of weekly lesson plans.
• 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.
• 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, Manager of Peck Farm Interpretive Center, Superintendent of Recreation or Executive Director.

• Assist all employees of the Park District as needed.

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.