RECREATION COORDINATOR, PRESCHOOL

Job Title: Recreation Coordinator, Preschool

Department: Recreation

Reports to: Recreation Supervisor, Youth Programming

Job Class: Extended Part-Time, IMRF Eligible, and Paid Time Off eligible

Work Hours: Generally - During Calendar School Year 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Monday-Friday. During Summer months mornings and afternoons, up to 29 hours per week. May work nights and weekends, if needed. Hours may not exceed 1,500 hours per year.

Compensation: $16 - $18 an hour, DOQ

Position Summary

Reporting to the Recreation Supervisor, Youth Programming, the Recreation Coordinator, Preschool, engages directly with the children, department supervisors, and staff to help coordinate and facilitate the activities within the preschool program. During the summer, the Recreation Coordinator of the preschool works to assist with Preschool Summer Camp programming decisions while preparing for the start of Preschool in the Fall.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates the day-to-day activities and scheduling within the preschool programming.
• Leads and/or teaches various activities within the preschool program
• Completes and communicates weekly schedule for preschool instructors ensuring proper coverage and backup support as necessary.
• May act as Preschool Instructor through the delivery of curriculum for the 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old preschool programs, as needed.
• Coordinates the day-to-day activities and scheduling for the preschool summer camp with the Recreation Coordinator, Youth Camps.
• Acts as Summer Preschool Camp lead as needed.
• Purchases necessary program supplies as needed.
• Successfully learn and complete purchase expenditures in the software program
• Successfully learn and apply timesheet software programs.
• Assists the Recreation Supervisor in the performance evaluation processes, interviewing department candidates as requested, and acts as the first point of contact for concerned preschool staff.
• Acts as the first point of contact for program participants and parents/guardians, answering program questions and registering as needed.
• Utilizes problem-solving abilities to mitigate issues as they arise with parents or children.
• Works closely with parents to promote an understanding of the growth and development of their child/children.
• Inspects and recommends program equipment repairs and improvements.
• Assists in interpreting resident needs and delivering programs and services to meet those needs.
• Promotes and encourages participation in the program.
• Helps with planning, developing, and implementing the preschool program & summer preschool program.
• Assists with the planning of preschool program special events & summer preschool special events.
• Completes basic paperwork in a timely and orderly fashion for the program.
• Participates in staff training and workshops for preschool and summer preschool programs.
• Assists with emergency procedures and building evacuation.
• Enforces all rules set forth by the Park District and Recreation Supervisor.
• Ensures children participating in the programs are being supervised by staff at all times.
• Helps prepare and follow all lesson plans.
• Prepares and submits weekly lesson plans by due date.
• Attends field trips as needed.
• Assists with other recreation programs as assigned.
• Performs other duties and functions as directed.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates in Park District special events.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manual, Personnel Policy Manual, and Safety Manual.
• Cleans up all areas once program is completed.
• Reports any problems or concerns to the Recreation Supervisor.
• Promotes a positive and friendly work environment.
• Serves on various district committees.
• Completes all training as required.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be age 18 or over.
• Prior experience working with and developing programs/activities with children, ages K - 8th Grade. Preference given to individuals that have attained or are pursuing a degree in Education, Recreation, or related field.
• Ability to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification upon hire.
• Valid State of Illinois driver's license required.
• Must successfully pass state Driver's Abstract Review and Criminal background screening.

Competencies

• Ability to cooperate with and interpret Park District philosophies in relation to governmental, public and private groups or agencies, and to the general public.
• Ability to work harmoniously with fellow employees, patrons, community groups and other units of local government.
• Natural collaborator, intrinsically possess a positive attitude
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere, promoting positive work relations with both internal and external customers.
• Proficiency to read and write in English and organize effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively within various settings, from one-on-one to group configurations.
• Capacity to maintain self-control and composure in difficult situations.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of general software platforms with the willingness to learn new software and the ability to apply knowledge and work independently in software platforms.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• The work area is both indoors, in a smoke-free environment with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting, and outdoors at all park district locations.
• Frequent exposure to natural and potentially extreme weather conditions while supervising employees or attending job-related activities.
• Exposure to noise distractions from employees, patrons, or equipment operation.
• Lifting up to 25 pounds, occasional climbing, sitting stooping, kneeling, reaching. Frequent walking, standing, driving.