85%
1. Child Supervision & Safety
Teacher will use active supervision practices to supervise children by sight or sound at all times
in compliance with DCFS Rule 407 and Preschool for All requirements, including strategic
positioning, Scanning and counting, and anticipating risks in compliance with DCFS Rule 407 and
Preschool for All requirements during routines, transitions, indoor/outdoor play, and off site
excursions.
2. Curriculum Implementation & Individualized Support
In partnership with families, collaboratively implement an age-appropriate, developmentally
appropriate, center-based Pre-K program using The Creative Curriculum and Conscious
Discipline.
o Teacher leads instructional planning, assessment, and compliance with state and
federal requirements
o Oversee paraprofessional in supporting instruction, learning centers, and
small-group/individual activities.
o Individualized plans (IEPs, IFSPs, behavior, nutrition, and other supports) are integrated into daily instruction. Staff collaborate with the Pre-K Program Coordinator and Education Director to design responsive learning environments.
3. Classroom Environment & Management
Jointly maintain consistent routines, schedules, and classroom management while remaining responsive to individual child needs. Foster a warm, inclusive, and respectful environment for children, families, and program partners.
4. Health, Safety & Environmental Monitoring
Share responsibility for daily inspection of indoor and outdoor materials, equipment, and environments, promptly addressing safety concerns and maintaining appropriate supervision as well as accurately completing and reporting incident reports in a timely manner.
5. Nutrition & Self-Help Skill Development
Eat with children and support social and language development, independence, and
self-help skills through implementation of Family-Style Meal Service in compliance with licensing requirements.
6. Medical Awareness & Medication Support
Maintain awareness of children's health needs, allergies, and medical conditions.
o Teacher oversees documentation, family communication, and medical plans.
o Ensures paraprofessional assists with implementation and monitoring.
Medications are administered per policy, authorization, and licensing regulations.
10%
1. Family Engagement & Communication
Support active parent involvement through regular verbal and written communication. Teacher conducts a minimum of two parent conferences annually for each child, with paraprofessional participation as appropriate. Attend at least 2 evening parent events each program year.
2. Health & Social Services Communication
Report health concerns to the Health Services Director and family social service needs to the Family Services Specialist promptly.
3. Child Observation & Assessment
Conduct ongoing observations and assessments to inform curriculum instruction and meet the needs of individual children.
o Teacher ensures assessments are documented at least three times annually with the paraprofessional support when needed for observation and data collection.
4. Family Goal Collaboration
Collaborate with the Family Services Specialist to support child and family goal setting in accordance with Preschool for All guidelines.
5. Student Supervision & Mentoring
Teacher serves as cooperating teacher for GSU students, Paraprofessional supports modeling professional classroom practices.
6. Documentation & Reporting
Complete required documentation and reports in a timely manner to meet ISBE, DCFS, and NAEYC standards, with Teacher maintaining final accountability.
7. Professional Development
Complete a minimum of 20 clock hours of Gateways-approved professional development annually.
Maintain all Professional Licenses and at least a Gateway Level 4 ECE Certification.
5%
- Meet all regulatory health requirements, including physical exams, immunizations, TB
testing, and lift evaluations as required.
Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.
Adhere to all policies and procedures of Governors State University, the Family Development Center,
Preschool for All, DCFS, and NAEYC.
- Additional Program Support
Participate in additional meetings, committees, or training as requested to support program quality
and improvement.
- Other duties as assigned in relation to the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Early Childhood Pedagogical Competencies
- Skill in creating a psychologically safe, secure environment
- Skill in classroom control and discipline
- Skills in providing stimulation for young children
- Skill in communication with young children
Cognitive Competencies
- Observational Skill
- Pattern Recognition
- Diagnostic Skills
Self-Management Competencies
- Ability to Maintain Own Equilibrium
- Sets Limits and Boundaries
- Self-Awareness and Self-Development
Interpersonal Competencies
- Empathy
- Nonverbal Understanding
Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Must possess a pleasing personality
and ability to establish and maintain rapport with families and staff. Must be capable of
representing the Family Development Center and University in a positive manner.
Required Education and Experience
- Gateways Level 5 Early Childhood Credential and enrolled in a program leading to a Professional Educator License Endorsed in Early Childhood Education. Proof of enrollment and successful progress submitted to Education Director on a semesterly basis.
- Two years of experience in a preschool setting.
- Must have or be able to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
Desired Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, a Professional Educator License endorsed in
early childhood education.
- Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
