Infant Toddler Teacher

Union Church of Hinsdale believes all are called by God as disciples of Christ and we pledge to love, encourage, & support one another as the Body of Christ. We affirm & welcome all persons as precious to God, just as we are. As a community of faith, in the service of God, we are enriched by our differences including diversity of gender identity and expression, age, marital & economic status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, race, and physical & mental abilities and qualities. We affirm that the Holy Spirit gathers us as a congregation in which all persons are invited to participate equally in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings, concerns, & joys of our community of faith. We pledge to love, encourage, & support one another as the Body of Christ. Work to make Union Church a place of grace, compassion, and joy.

TITLE: UCECP Teacher

Part-time or Full-time Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Union Church Early Childhood Program

PRIMARILY RELATES TO: UCECP staff, Union Church Staff, UCECP families

Job Summary: In collaboration with their co-teachers, plan, coordinate and implement a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and encourages inclusivity, respect and generosity.

Key Responsibilities:

Classroom Curriculum:

· Plan, coordinate and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum in keeping with the philosophy of the Union Church Early Childhood Programs.

· Meet weekly with co-teachers to plan and coordinate curriculum using gathered documentation.

· Create projects that are sparked by a “chance” event, or a “problem posed,” that can last a few days or several months.

· Plan curriculum that encourages children to use all forms of cognitive/symbolic expression.

· Focus on curriculum that empowers children to construct their own learning.

· Ask children questions to uncover their ideas, hypotheses and theories.

· Compare, discuss and interpret children’s work as a foundation for continued curriculum planning.

· Respect children’s individual abilities and cultural/religious backgrounds.

· Participate in meetings as needed to coordinate curriculum, facility, equipment and supply usage and purchasing needs.

· Utilize technology in curriculum planning and implementation

Environment:

· Create a physical classroom environment that is rich in materials and possibilities.

· Assure that all materials and supplies offered to children meet safety standards, are age appropriate and in good condition.

· Assist the overall school in assuring that common areas and the playground are well maintained and inviting to children and adults.

Documentation:

· Conduct interviews with children, collect transcripts of interviews, and document observations of children’s interactions to build a better understanding of their thoughts and interests.

· Collect photographs and children’s work samples that demonstrate how learning is happening in the classroom. This work should represent how children think.

· Utilize documentation to assist in curriculum planning and determine classroom focus/direction.

· Make learning visible to parents, co-workers, children and guests by displaying children’s work in an organized and respectful manner.

· Complete individual portfolios that document children’s growth and development in accordance with the school’s goals and objectives.

· Assist in maintaining paperwork concerning each child to meet state licensing requirements.

· Able to navigate and utilize technology

Parent involvement:

· Demonstrate an understanding that parents are an essential part of the education process and respect their ideas and concerns.

· Communicate with parents in a way that demonstrates your knowledge as a professional in the field of early childhood education.

· Assist office staff in marketing the program to perspective parents during tours, open houses and other school events.

· Promote a strong school community by attending family events throughout the year.

· Be available to parents in person, by email and/or phone for concerns and questions.

· Communicate with parents through weekly newsletters, fall and spring conferences and additional notes or phone calls as needed to keep them informed of what’s happening in the classroom.

Collaboration:

· Work with other programs within the UCECP and/or Union Church to assure that all physical spaces are accessible at all times for different types of programming.

· Prioritize working collaboratively with others and contributing to a positive work environment.

· Share equal responsibility for planning and tasks with other staff members.

· Demonstrate professional, courteous and respectful behavior toward all staff and members of the congregation.

· Work to make Union Church a place of grace, compassion and joy

· Work with all staff members at UCECP and Union Church of Hinsdale in a collegial atmosphere of mutual support to assure that the programs are cohesive and integrated.

· Assist in creating a positive work environment where children feel at ease and colleagues can express their ideas and collaborate.

Other:

· Be responsible for personal paperwork such as time sheets and professional development documentation.

· Must satisfy all requirements established by DCFS.

· Attend a minimum of 18 hours of in-service training a year.

· Attend staff meetings, monitor email and school newsletter information to understand current happenings within the school and/or church.

· Present self as a professional who learns along with the children.

· Meet with administration to address any issues or concerns regarding children, parents, other staff members or the program.

· Perform other duties as requested by the Director.

· Comply with all policies and procedures found in the UCECP Teacher Handbook and The Union Church of Hinsdale Personnel Policies.

· Exhibit maturity, flexibility, understanding, patience, respect and communication skills necessary to work as part of a team and with a group of young children.

· Demonstrate good physical and mental health to perform the duties required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

· Early Childhood certification.

· Experience working in an early childhood school environment.

Personal Characteristics

· Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor, able to interact with diverse individuals

· A team player with a positive attitude.

· Self- motivated, adaptable and able to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment

· Ability to act with minimal supervision

· Exhibit maturity, flexibility, understanding, patience, respect and communication skills necessary to work as part of a team and with a group of young children.

· Demonstrate good physical and mental health to perform the duties required.