Union Church Early Childhood Programs

Union Church of Hinsdale believes all are called by God as disciples of Christ and we pledge to love, encourage, & support one another as the Body of Christ. We affirm & welcome all persons as precious to God, just as we are. As a community of faith, in the service of God, we are enriched by our differences including diversity of gender identity and expression, age, marital & economic status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, race, and physical & mental abilities and qualities. We affirm that the Holy Spirit gathers us as a congregation in which all persons are invited to participate equally in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings, concerns, & joys of our community of faith. We pledge to love, encourage, & support one another as the Body of Christ. Work to make Union Church a place of grace, compassion, and joy.

TITLE: UCECP Teacher

Part-time or Full-time  Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:  Director of Union Church Early Childhood Program

PRIMARILY RELATES TO: UCECP staff, Union Church Staff, UCECP families

Job Summary:   In collaboration with their co-teachers, plan, coordinate and implement a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and encourages inclusivity, respect and generosity.

Key Responsibilities:

Classroom Curriculum:

·       Plan, coordinate and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum in keeping with the philosophy of the Union Church Early Childhood Programs. 

·       Meet weekly with co-teachers to plan and coordinate curriculum using gathered documentation.

·       Create projects that are sparked by a “chance” event, or a “problem posed,” that can last a few days or several months.

·       Plan curriculum that encourages children to use all forms of cognitive/symbolic expression. 

·       Focus on curriculum that empowers children to construct their own learning.

·       Ask children questions to uncover their ideas, hypotheses and theories.

·       Compare, discuss and interpret children’s work as a foundation for continued curriculum planning. 

·       Respect children’s individual abilities and cultural/religious backgrounds.

·       Participate in meetings as needed to coordinate curriculum, facility, equipment and supply usage and purchasing needs. 

·       Utilize technology in curriculum planning and implementation

Environment:

·       Create a physical classroom environment that is rich in materials and possibilities. 

·       Assure that all materials and supplies offered to children meet safety standards, are age appropriate and in good condition. 

·       Assist the overall school in assuring that common areas and the playground are well maintained and inviting to children and adults.

Documentation:

·       Conduct interviews with children, collect transcripts of interviews, and document observations of children’s interactions to build a better understanding of their thoughts and interests. 

·       Collect photographs and children’s work samples that demonstrate how learning is happening in the classroom.  This work should represent how children think.

·       Utilize documentation to assist in curriculum planning and determine classroom focus/direction.  

·       Make learning visible to parents, co-workers, children and guests by displaying children’s work in an organized and respectful manner.  

·       Complete individual portfolios that document children’s growth and development in accordance with the school’s goals and objectives.  

·       Assist in maintaining paperwork concerning each child to meet state licensing requirements.

·       Able to navigate and utilize technology

Parent involvement:

·       Demonstrate an understanding that parents are an essential part of the education process and respect their ideas and concerns.

·       Communicate with parents in a way that demonstrates your knowledge as a professional in the field of early childhood education. 

·       Assist office staff in marketing the program to perspective parents during tours, open houses and other school events.

·       Promote a strong school community by attending family events throughout the year. 

·       Be available to parents in person, by email and/or phone for concerns and questions.

·       Communicate with parents through weekly newsletters, fall and spring conferences and additional notes or phone calls as needed to keep them informed of what’s happening in the classroom.

Collaboration:

·       Work with other programs within the UCECP and/or Union Church to assure that all physical spaces are accessible at all times for different types of programming. 

·       Prioritize working collaboratively with others and contributing to a positive work environment.

·       Share equal responsibility for planning and tasks with other staff members.

·       Demonstrate professional, courteous and respectful behavior toward all staff and members of the congregation. 

·       Work to make Union Church a place of grace, compassion and joy

·       Work with all staff members at UCECP and Union Church of Hinsdale in a collegial atmosphere of mutual support to assure that the programs are cohesive and integrated. 

·       Assist in creating a positive work environment where children feel at ease and colleagues can express their ideas and collaborate.  

Other:

·       Be responsible for personal paperwork such as time sheets and professional development documentation. 

·       Must satisfy all requirements established by DCFS. 

·       Attend a minimum of 18 hours of in-service training a year.

·       Attend staff meetings, monitor email and school newsletter information to understand current happenings within the school and/or church. 

·       Present self as a professional who learns along with the children.  

·       Meet with administration to address any issues or concerns regarding children, parents, other staff members or the program.   

·       Perform other duties as requested by the Director. 

·       Comply with all policies and procedures found in the UCECP Teacher Handbook and The Union Church of Hinsdale Personnel Policies. 

·       Exhibit maturity, flexibility, understanding, patience, respect and communication skills necessary to work as part of a team and with a group of young children. 

·       Demonstrate good physical and mental health to perform the duties required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

·   Early Childhood certification.

·   Experience working in an early childhood school environment.

Personal Characteristics

·   Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor, able to interact with diverse individuals

·   A team player with a positive attitude.

·   Self- motivated, adaptable and able to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment

·   Ability to act with minimal supervision

·   Exhibit maturity, flexibility, understanding, patience, respect and communication skills necessary to work as part of a team and with a group of young children. 

·   Demonstrate good physical and mental health to perform the duties required.