Preschool Instructor, Part-Time at City of Evanston

Scheduled Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am - 1:30pm (hours are subject to change based on scheduling needs)

Under the direction of the Recreation Program Coordinator and/or designee, this position is responsible for providing a safe and developmentally appropriate preschool program in accordance with all policies and procedures. The Preschool Instructor will be responsible for planning and implementing a program to teach young children. They must ensure the development and safety of these children in accordance with policies. The Preschool Instructor will be respectful of children and parents, and ensure that equipment and facilities are clean, safe and well maintained. Failure to provide adequate services may place children at risk. They will provide basic preschool instruction; including planning and leading of games, small group projects and innovative activities for these children.  Responsible for the supervision of assistants and volunteers. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK (Specific assignment may include some or all of the following):

• Develop and implement a developmentally appropriate preschool program for young Children:
  • Plan and implement educational activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of the children in the program.
  • Supervise the use of equipment and activities
  • Ensure equipment and the facility is clean, well maintained and safe at all times
  • Provide weekly and monthly schedules of activities
  • Develop culturally appropriate programs and activities
  • Develop activities that introduce math and literacy concepts
  • Establish policies and procedures including acceptable disciplinary policies
  • Be familiar with emergency procedures
• Supervise children in the Pre-school:
  • Ensure children are supervised at all times
  • Provide various experiences and activities for children including songs, games and small group activities
  • Build children’s esteem
  • Comfort children
  • Establish routines and provide positive guidance
  • Provide a safe and secure environment for children to feel comfortable
  • Implement positive discipline when required
  • Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand
  • Observe children and make note of progress
  • Integrate special needs children in a positive and respectful manner
• Communicate with parents and members of the community:
  • Discuss children’s development with parents
  • Discuss identified problems and needs with professionals as appropriate
  • Participate in community activities
  • Promote literacy and early education
  • Keep parents informed of program expectations, program activities and their child’s progress
• Maintain program administration:
  • Develop and maintain current, accurate and confidential client files
  • Develop daily activity plans
• Perform other related duties as required

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Assist in the maintenance of records and the completion of reports. Conduct regular safety checks and report any problems immediately to your supervisor. Assist with set up and clean up of program rooms (moving tables, chairs, equipment and supplies)

Must Possess either 60 semester hours (or ninety quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university, with six semester hours or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and or child development (birth to age 6). OR One year (1560 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center and 30 semester hours (or 45

quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age six;.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in the following areas:

• Knowledge of computer programs, including Word, Excel and Internet.
• Ability to read staff manuals, memoranda, and attendance sheets.
• Ability to complete attendance sheets, accident reports, incident reports and behavior reports using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, and style.
• Ability to give verbal direction to subordinates, communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, citizens, and the public as well as other employees; speaking extemporaneously.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public, to greet the public in a courteous manner and good communication skills.
• Ability to attend staff meetings, training sessions and workshops, when requested.

PREFERRED SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

CPR, AED and First Aid

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Occasional heavy lifting of program equipment may be necessary. (Ability to lift child (up to 50 lbs) when necessary). The worker is subject to prolonged standing while conducting programs. Environmental conditions (physical surroundings) usually associated with this classification: includes recreation centers, gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, kitchens, swimming pools, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds, office space, conference rooms, beaches, and field trip sites. Environmental conditions (hazards) usually associated with this classification: the worker is subject to inside environmental conditions approximately 75% of the time and outside work 25% of the time, no effective protection from the weather conditions or temperature changes.

Machines, tools, equipment, and work aids which may be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those commonly associated with this type of work: pen, pencil, ruler, blueprints, charts, contracts, diagrams, directives, documents, forms, manuals, publications, reference books, schedules, and specifications.

Art/craft supplies, sports equipment, games and toys appropriate for preschool age children.

SUPERVISION:

Work is performed under the general direction/supervision of the Recreation Program Coordinator and/or designee.  Assignments may vary from season to season and day to day.  Assignments can be either verbal or written, with the employee determining proper procedure and work methods and is responsible for completing the work according to City work rules and safety regulations.  Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communication, meetings and feedback from supervisors and other department employees.  Guidance is provided through rules, regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules and OSHA. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with this classification standard. 

PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee will have contact with the general public in city-owned buildings.  The employee may need to respond to questions and complaints and provide general direction to the public; the employee has regular contact with other City employees in order to share information and complete work assignments.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position.  Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity.  The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.  Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Facilities Management Office at 847-866-2916 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).