Preschool Teacher in Chicago, Illinois at BLACK RHINO INC

Building Blocks Learning Academy is a child care center serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. We believe in creating enriching classrooms that provide each of our children with a loving, dynamic, supportive experience. We strive to develop and maintain a learning environment that provides the highest possible quality of childcare by supporting children, parents, and staff. We make every effort to provide a superior childcare experience by instilling an atmosphere of harmony, respect, patience, honesty, trust, and friendship. Our goals are to maintain a safe environment at all times, nurture, engage and enlighten families and staff, and to support and respect each child, family, staff member, and our surrounding community.

BASIC FUNCTIONS: Under the supervision of the Site Director, the teacher plans and implements weekly lessons and activities for a classroom of up to twenty (20) three to five-year-old children. Classroom activities are designed to promote physical, intellectual, and social/emotional development. Early Childhood Teachers ensure proper supervision of the children at all times.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE ( but not limited to):

Plans and prepares curriculum activities using the thematic units providedObserves and makes anecdotal records of children's progressRecords and completes portfolios and assessments for each childPlans and implements activities that promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of childrenResponsible for the care, hygiene, learning, developmental activities, specialized programs, and redirection of childrenMaintains classroom records, cleanliness, and orderlinessEngages with current and prospective parents and family members and is responsive to their needsKeeps the management informed of any necessary information regarding the care and safety of childrenAssists and accepts responsibility in other daily center duties that might be temporary in the event other personnel are not availableAttends and participates in all staff meetings, center events, and parent/customer meetings as requestedCreating a warm and stimulating environment filled with different sights, sounds, textures, and sensationsComfort and support pre-schoolers through one-on-one moments of basic care needs, play, and communicationEnjoy collaborating with a talented team of early childhood professionals

EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with at least 12 semester hours (30 ECE Hours) in courses related directly to early childhood education is a MUSTCertificate in Food Safety and Sanitation, CPR and First Aide desirableWorking Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Gold & Headstart Policies and Procedures desirable

EXPERIENCE

2+ years of early childhood education experience desirable1+ years of experience working with assigned age group desirable

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to relate to the child on their physical level; this includes walking, standing, stooping, running, sitting (on the floor, desk or chair), climbing, crawling, kneeling, pulling, lifting, carrying, and crouchingMust be able to lift 30 pounds

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Program-specific background checkPhysical examinationsMust provide medical evaluation forms every two years, initial with a current TB test.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

Salary is based on education, experience, and roleA comprehensive benefits package is available to full-time employeesWe also offer generous time off and holiday schedulesOffering payment during the COVID-19 crisis

OUR MISSION The mission of Building Blocks Learning Academy is to provide high-quality childcare for children six weeks through 12 years of age. It is our principal goal to produce highly esteemed students who grow into lifelong learners. Through a caring, nurturing, safe environment, the staff at Building Blocks meet the cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs of the child thus making the preschool experience a positive first impression of formal education. Building Blocks Learning Academy mission is to provide a nurturing environment full of:

Fun: Children need to have laughter and to maintain that spirit of playfulness. This is important in every childhood. We also believe that fun is an important component of effective learning.Play: We engage the children in group sports as well as individual activities. This is a great avenue for them to interact with peers too.Learning: Our learning programs are designed to keep track of the child’s progress according to their age. We identify the areas where they need closer supervision as well as those areas that they excel in.