C004, EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

Overview

As Early Childhood Teacher at Memoral provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to encourage their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development through designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum according to guidelines established by the Illinois Department of Children and Family services, Creative Curriculum and ExceleRate Illinois.   

Qualifications

Age Requirement:

• The IL Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) requires teachers to be a minimum of 19 years of age.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalency certificate (GED) required.
• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood or Child Development is strongly desired. Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or related field is strongly preferred.
• In lieu of an Associate’s degree, DCFS requires one of the following:  60 semester hours of college credits with 6 hours directly being related to child care or child development (birth to age 6), or 1 year experience in child development in a nursery school, child care or kindergarten program with 30 semester hours in college with 6 semester hours directly being related to child care or child development (birth to age 6), or completion of credentialing program approved by DCFS (CDA).

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Registry member within the first 5 days of employment
• Provide 3 letters of reference per DCFS requirements
• Hold or be able to obtain, within 90 days, First Aid/CPR certification

Experience:

• DCFS requires a minimum of one (1) year of experience in child care, early childhood, or child development.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Maintain 20 hrs of in-service hours each fiscal year, 5 hours must be from a Gateway Registry-approved training.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, initiative in a friendly, courteous and professional manner.
• Demonstrates knowledge of ages and stages of development.
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas in child care practices.
• Understands the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group.

Responsibilities

• Interaction between staff and children:
  • Interacts frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, touching, and holding children. Speaks in a friendly, calm, soft and courteous manner within close proximity of the child.
  • Respects and observes children’s interests. Intervenes when needed to maintain safety. Enhances children’s play with language, toys and activities. Encourages and models the appropriate behaviors and expectations.
  • Communicates directly with each child at the child’s level. Engages and communicates constructively with children during activities and routines. Positively extends children’s thinking and actions.
  • Maintains availability and responsiveness to children’s needs, questions, and requests. Acknowledges feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions.
  • Practices positive discipline techniques in guiding children’s behavior according to MMC’s guidelines.
  • Maintains attentiveness, flexibility and support with children and others during transitions among classrooms.
• Curriculum:
  • Implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum based upon the guidelines set forth in the Creative Curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children. Plans a daily schedule which balances activities using the Creative Curriculum lesson plan.
  • Designs an environment which responds to children’s individual development, physical and emotional needs and interests through the use of Creative Curriculum. Fosters positive self-concepts by supporting individuality, independence, and choices. Encourages creative expression. Respects diversity by providing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences which reflect both center and global communities.
  • Creates documentation of children’s accomplishments through anecdotal notes, observations and portfolios.
• Faculty/Parent Interactions:
  • Acknowledges parents and all classroom visitors. Invites input from parents regarding their child’s development and care. Responds to parents’ comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect.
  • Maintains confidentiality. Establishes and maintains a Primary Care giving relationship with individual children and their families. Assists in the planning and attend center/classroom events and meetings.
  • Communicates verbally and in writing with parents regarding the development