Preschool Paraprofessional

noriba GmbH; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Paid time off

Tuition waivers

Retirement and investment options

Sign-on bonus of $1,500

Job summary

An educational institution is seeking a Preschool Professional to implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool children and ensure their safety during activities. The ideal candidate must possess a Paraprofessional Educator license in Illinois and a Child Development Associate Credential or equivalent. Responsibilities include maintaining classroom routines, engaging with children, and assisting in their social and self-help skills development. The position offers extensive fringe benefits, including a sign-on bonus upon commitment.

Qualifications

• Valid Paraprofessional Educator license in Illinois.
• Minimum 12 college credits in early childhood education.
• Illinois Early Childhood Education Level 1 Credential.

Responsibilities

• Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool children.
• Ensure safety and supervision of children during activities.
• Maintain classroom routines and assist with meal service.
• Promote social and self-help skills and healthy eating using Family Style Meal Service.
• Ensure health, safety, and sanitation standards (wash hands, etc.).
• Cover classrooms to maintain ratios during absences or planning times.

Skills

Engaging with children

Team collaboration

Classroom management

Education

Educator license endorsed as a Paraprofessional Educator in Illinois

Child Development Associate Credential or NAEYC equivalent

AA in Early Childhood Education or related field (preferred)

Child Development Associate Credential or NAEYC equivalent

Job description

Description

Governors State University seeks to fill the position of Preschool Professional.

Essential Responsibilities 75%

1. Under the direction of Early Childhood Teacher, implement an age appropriate, success oriented, and developmentally appropriate curriculum meeting all NAEYC requirements. Work as a team with the teaching team, and Lead Teacher to design an environment and activities to meet the need of individual children while remaining responsive and aware of group needs.
2. Follow and maintain daily routines and schedule for all individual children in the class. Maintain classroom management by being on the floor engaging all children in play, especially during routines such as diapering and feeding times. Create a warm and accepting environment for children, families, students, volunteers and community members. Follow all DCFS standards.
3. Ensure the safety of the children in assigned group, inspecting indoor and outdoor toys and equipment daily. Assure that all children are supervised by sight and sound at all times.
4. Maintain ratios at all times, even if that means being asked to cover in another classroom to maintain ratios during naptime, at the end of the day or the beginning of the day.
5. Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices. Use and teach children Family Style Meal Service.
6. Maintaining classroom ratios when Teacher 3 has supervision or planning time.
7. Covering classrooms for napping children during outside or gym time.
8. Changing children’s diapers and feeding children in the absence of their primary teacher to maintain continuity of care.
9. Implement all classroom procedures, including washing hands, doing laundry, tooth brushing, and all other health and safety standards.
10. Floating between classrooms as needed within the Family Development Center, to best ensure quality of care.

Other Responsibilities

1. Abide by program philosophies on parent involvement and parent participation.
2. Document all important communication with families.
3. Complete all required documentation and reports and submit in a timely manner.
4. Assumes complete responsibility of the class over the summer, including lesson planning, and ensure the health safety and supervision of children at all times.

This position qualifies for an expansive suite of fringe benefits including various insurance options, paid time off, retirement and investment options, and tuition waivers.

Visit: https://www.govst.edu/benefits/

This position is eligible for a $1,500 sign‑on bonus, with a two‑year minimum commitment.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Educator license endorsed as a Paraprofessional Educator in Illinois (see ISBE website). “Noncertified Staff Noncertified staff (PARA) employed to assist in the instruction of children ages 3 to 5 shall meet the requirements set forth in 23 Ill. Adm. Code 25.510(b) (Endorsement for Paraprofessional Educator) or hold an approval for paraprofessional educator received in accordance with Section 25.15(a)(2)(J) (Types of Licenses; Exchange). Paraprofessionals must obtain the appropriate Educator Licensure with Stipulations. A paraprofessional educator endorsement on an educator license with stipulations may be issued to an individual who. Is at least 20 years of age and; Holds a high school diploma or a General Education Diploma and has met one of the following requirements: Holds an associate degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (evidence is an official transcript); or Has completed at least 60 semester hours of credit from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (excluding remedial coursework); or Presents an official score report from Educational Testing Service showing a score of 460 or higher on the ParaPro test; or Presents evidence of earning the following scores on the WorkKeys test (offered by ACT): Reading for Information (4), Writing or Business Writing (3), and Applied Mathematics (4)”.
• Child Development Associate Credential or NAEYC equivalent: A minimum of 12 college credits (semester hours) in early childhood education, child development, or early childhood special education that encompass the following: child development and learning of children birth through kindergarten; family and community relationships; observing, documenting, and assessing young children; teaching and learning; and professional practices and development by July 1, 2020.
• As of September 30, 2017 all teachers and assistants and aides are required to have an Illinois Early Childhood Education Level 1 Credential.

Preferred Qualifications

• AA in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or Child Development.

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule

Generally, Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm or 10:00am to 6:00pm

Application Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts
• Certification/Professional License
• List of Three Professional References