Kindergarten Teacher – Start Date: August 15, 2018

Purpose

Blooming Minds Academy Teacher is responsible for the academic, social-emotional growth and development of all children in his/her care, which may include preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten-age children; develops partnerships with both parents/child’s caregivers to engage and encourage parent participation in the program. Teacher is also responsible for assuring compliance with codes of all State and local governing contracting agencies; and works collegially with other staff members of Blooming Minds Academy. The BMA Teacher also supervises Assistant Teachers and volunteers who work in his/her classroom.

Career Overview

Teacher will be responsible for planning and implementing an educational program to teach children. Teacher must ensure the development and safety of all children in accordance with relevant federal, territorial and municipal legislation and policies. Teacher 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.

Job Duties

• Develops both long- and short-term lesson plans based on the curriculum and philosophy of BMA.
• Keeps records of children’s academic growth and keeps parents up to date — communication with parents is a routine part of a teacher’s job.
• Responsible for setting up her classroom to reflect the lessons she is currently teaching.
• Designs and follows a full schedule of activities and discovers suitable teaching materials in addition to those already provided by BMA.
• Maintains routine record keeping, such as attendance. (Teacher must remember – all such information is confidential).
• Every Thursday, Teacher must submit lesson plans for the upcoming week to Director.

Essential Functions

• Supervise and work as a team member with an assistant teacher to meet the needs of the children and the classroom as a whole.
• Meet emotional, social, physical and cognitive needs of each child.
• Encourage Teacher Assistants to contribute to curriculum planning.
• Implement curriculum into weekly lesson plans.
• Complete bi-annual assessment of children’s development.
• Continually add to each child’s portfolio.
• Report progress of children to parents in bi-annual reports and through parent-teacher conferences.
• Maintain daily open communication with parents.
• Keep accident reports.
• Maintain anecdotal records.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Fulfill the requirements of a mandated reporter.
• Report any suspected abuse to supervisor immediately.
• Arrange classroom environment in accordance with the program goals and philosophy.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment.
• Inspect and replace damaged or lost materials.
• Attend in-service training and staff meetings.
• Supervise assistants, aides and volunteers in the classroom.
• Keep all appropriate records such as attendance and timesheets.
• Help children with hygiene.
• Keep children safe.
• Meet all applicable licensing regulations.                                                                                                           

Physical Demands

Caring for children can be physically demanding. BMA Teacher may be lifting and carrying children and equipment, and may spend time sitting on the floor or child-size furniture. BMA Teacher will be expected to clean and maintain equipment and facility, and may move throughout the community with children. Teacher may come in contact with children who are ill and/or contagious, and must take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all children, parents, staff and themselves.

Environmental Conditions

The BMA Director will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the BMA Director will have to supervise all children at all times.

Sensory Demands

The BMA Director may experience smells associated with toileting and children who are ill (e.g. vomit). Teacher should be able to maintain calm composure, and assist children in a positive and supportive manner.

Mental Demands

Caring for children can be stressful. Teacher should be able to care for children in a calm manner at all times. BMA Teacher must ensure that children are supervised at all times, and that children are involved in safe and appropriate activities. There may be a number of situations happening at once, and the Teacher must be prepared to handle such situations.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time position, and hours of work and days are generally Monday through Friday, 9:00 am through 12:00 noon. Extended hours may be necessary as needed to cover staffing during academy hours.

Required Education and Experience                                                 

1. Blooming Minds Academy Teacher shall be at least 21 years of age.
2. BMA Teacher shall have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED).
3. A baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or child development; or a baccalaureate or advanced degree in education with an Illinois Pre-K certification; or a baccalaureate or advanced degree in education or related field with Illinois Teacher certification.
4. Team player; commitment to high quality programming for children and a supportive work environment for staff.
5. An education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education of their children is required.
6. Teacher shall become a member of the Gateways to Opportunity Registry, with all educational and training credentials entered into the registry, verified in accordance with procedures and requirements adopted by the Department of Human Services (see 89 I ll. Adm. Code 50.Subpart G).
7. Teacher must complete the online Mandated Reporter Training that is available on the Department’s website within 30 days after hire.
8. Must meet physical requirements of the job including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds
9. Teacher shall submit a report of a physical examination completed no more than 6 months prior to employment that provides evidence that s/he is free of communicable disease, including active tuberculosis, and physical or mental conditions that could affect his/her ability to perform assigned duties. This examination shall include a test for tuberculosis by the Mantoux method.
10. Teacher shall have physical re-examinations every 2 years and whenever communicable disease or illness is suspected.
11. Teacher shall comply with the current rules and regulations of the Illinois Department of Public Health pertaining to Food Service Sanitation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 750).
12. CPR and First Aid Certification required within 2 months of date of hire.
13. Must be able to successfully pass child protective services and criminal background check.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of child cognitive, social, and skills development methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of play, reading, and quiet-time activities for children.
• Child supervision skills.
• Knowledge of childcare facility, services and/or staff licensure and certification requirements.

Skills

• Emotional maturity when working with children;
• Cooperation with the purposes and services of the program;
• Respect for children and adults;
• Flexibility, understanding and patience;
• Physical and mental health that do not interfere with child care responsibilities;
• Good personal hygiene;
• Frequent interaction with children;
• Listening skills, availability and responsiveness to children;
• Sensitivity to children’s socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and individual needs and capabilities;

Ability

• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Ability to provide basic nutrition and hygiene services for young children.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.               

Ethics

While communicating with teachers on a daily basis, children may share sensitive information. All such information will be considered strictly confidential. Under no circumstance will such information be shared outside of the facility with outside parties.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary DOE.

Position start date: August 15, 2018