K-1 Transition Facilitator

Illinois Education Job Bank; Woodstock (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Term life insurance

Job summary

Illinois Education Job Bank in Woodstock, IL, is seeking a qualified school counselor with early childhood expertise for a full-time role serving in the District 200 elementary program. The position emphasizes direct student support, trauma-informed practice, SEL instruction for K-1, and collaboration with teachers and families.

The role requires a degree in a relevant field and an LBS1 endorsement, with salary placement on the district schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in relevant field or LBS1 endorsement.
• Minimum two years with early childhood populations (ages 4–7) in education or clinical setting.
• Deep knowledge of early childhood development, play-based therapy, self-regulation, and trauma-informed care.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with young children and communicate empathetically with parents.

Responsibilities

• Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling for early learners.
• Deliver SEL lessons in Kindergarten and 1st grade using evidence-based curricula.
• Respond to emotional distress and behavioral dysregulation in students.
• Design a Bridge to 1st Grade transition plan and coordinate visits.
• Collaborate with teachers to identify at-risk students and support placement.
• Coordinate summer transition programming and family activities.
• Maintain confidential relationships with staff and monitor referrals and SEL screens.
• Prepare Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Support district math program discussions with the Assistant Superintendent.
• Protect confidentiality of student records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Two years experience

Self-regulation knowledge

Trauma-informed care

Empathetic communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in school counseling / social work / child development / psychology

LBS1 endorsement (educator license)

Job description

Qualifications

• 1. Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in school counseling, social work, child
  development, psychology or a professional educator license with endorsement
  in LBS1.
• 2. A minimum of two years working with early childhood populations (ages 4-7
  (in an education or clinical setting.
• 3. In-depth knowledge of early childhood development, play-based therapy
  techniques, self -regulation frameworks (e.g., Zones of Regulation), and
  trauma informed care.
• 4. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build immediate trust with
  young children maintain professional partnerships with staff and communicate
  empathetically with parents.

REPORTS TO

Assistant Superintendent for Early Childhood and Elementary Education

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Student Support & Counseling

1. Early Adjustment Counseling: Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling focused on separation anxiety, self-regulation, frustration tolerance, and social skill building.
2. Classroom Guidance Lessons: Deliver developmentally appropriate SEL lessons in Kindergarten and 1st-grade classrooms, small groups, or one on one using evidence-based curricula (e.g., Second Step) focused on classroom behavior, listening skills, and coping strategies.
3. Crisis Intervention: Respond to emotional distress, behavioral dysregulation, or classroom disruptions common during major developmental transitions.

Transition Program Management

1. Design and execute a comprehensive "Bridge to 1st Grade" transition plan starting in the spring of Kindergarten and extending through the first semester of 1st grade.
2. Collaborate with Kindergarten teachers to identify students exhibiting behavioral, emotional, or developmental risks that may impact their success in 1st grade.
3. Coordinate student visits to 1st-grade classrooms, shadow days, and orientation workshops to familiarize children with new expectations and routines.
4. Plan summer transition programming and/or family activity nights to ease first-day anxiety and build school familiarity.

Staff Collaboration & Data Management

1. Develop and maintain a confidential, collegial relationship with teachers.
2. Providing staff with essential information to better understand factors affecting a student’s performance and behavior.
3. Partner with K and 1st-grade teachers to implement trauma-informed practices, positive behavior support plans, and classroom accommodation strategies.
4. Develop or assist in the development of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA’s) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP’s) for identified special education students.
5. Work alongside school administration to assist in balanced classroom placement for 1st grade based on academic, behavioral, and emotional profiles.
6. Monitor behavioral referrals, attendance records, and SEL screeners to evaluate the effectiveness of transition supports and adjust interventions accordingly.

1. Meets regularly with the Assistant Superintendent for Early Childhood and Elementary Education to discuss and recommend ways for improving the District 200 elementary math program.
2. Protects and safeguards confidentiality of student records and student communications.
3. Performs other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent for Early Childhood and Elementary Education

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1. Employed for the regular teacher work year - 180 days. In addition, work during the 1st grade Gear Up program (up to 9 days before the school year starts for additional summer school pay.)
2. The position will support multiple elementary buildings.
3. Employed as per conditions established by the Board of Education.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated by the Assistant Superintendent for Early Childhood and Elementary Education in consultation with the principals.

Additional Notes

This is a full-time position for the 2026-2027 school year with salary placement on the attached salary schedule. Salary placement will be based on education and experience that requires an Illinois teaching license, or education and professional experience.

Benefits for this position include health, dental, vision, and term life insurance.

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Term life insurance

District 200 is an equal opportunity employer.

Link to District/Third Party Online Application Web Page