Hybrid Infant and Toddler Program Instructor bei City of Evanston

TITLE: Infant and Toddler Program Instructor

NATURE OF WORK:

Under the direction of the Program Coordinator and/or their designee, this position is responsible for creating and implementing lesson plans that align with the focus of our parent/caregiver, infant, and toddler classes/programs. The Infant and Toddler Program Instructor is responsible for providing a safe and developmentally appropriate program in accordance with all department policies and procedures. The ideal candidate is passionate about working with young children with a focus on sensory exploration, has a creative approach to teaching, and possesses strong leadership and organizational skills. This position plays a key role in fostering the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young children through structured play, creative arts, storytelling, and group activities and classes.
 

Primary Location: Chandler-Newberger Community Center. May be asked to expand programming to other City of Evanston community centers. 

Pay Rate: $21.75/hour Part-time Seasonal

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-12:30PM. Hours may vary depending on programming needs. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK (Specific assignment may include some or all of the following):

• Develop developmentally appropriate programs, activities, lesson plans, for children ages 0-5 years and their caregivers

• Lead and supervise activities that focus on physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development

• Independently lead and supervise Time Together, Move and Grow classes, and other programs

• Independently lead and supervise parent/caregiver classes

• Provide various experiences and activities for children including songs, games and small group activities

• Establish routines and provide positive guidance to the children

• Attend to the needs of participants, providing comfort, encouragement, or positive discipline when required.

• Provide a safe and secure environment for children to feel comfortable

• Ensure equipment and space is clean, well-maintained, and safe at all times

• Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand

• Observe children and make note of progress

• Set-up and take down recreational equipment as needed

• Possess good judgment, emotional maturity, decision-making skills, and willingness to accept responsibilities. 

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 

• Discuss children’s development with parents/guardians/caregivers.

• Keep parents/caregivers informed of program schedules, activities, registration, expectations, and their child’s progress.

• Follow current trends in the field of early childhood education.

• Keep record of attendance using paper and attendance software

• Keep supervisor informed of material and supplies necessary to conduct programs.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and the public. 

• Required to attend staff meetings, training sessions and workshops when directed. 

• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

An associate’s degree from a  college or university with coursework in early childhood education/administration and two (2) years of experience working with children 0 to 5 years old; OR any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, ability, and skills.

Experience in an educational and/or recreational setting encompassing a customer service background is preferred, and any combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

Experience in Child Care / Child Development / Education

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in the following areas:

• Knowledge of computer programs, including Word, Excel and Internet.

• Ability to read staff manuals, memoranda, and attendance sheets. 

• Ability to complete attendance sheets, accident reports, incident reports and behavior reports using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, and style. 

• Ability to give verbal direction to subordinates, communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, citizens, and the public as well as other employees; speaking extemporaneously. 

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public, to greet the public in a courteous manner and good communication skills. 

• Ability to attend staff meetings, training sessions and workshops, when requested.

PREFERRED SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

CPR, AED and First Aid or obtain within first 90 days of employment

Illinois Mandated Reporter Certification or obtain within first 90 days of employment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• While performing the duties of this job the employee frequently is required to sit or stand for long periods of time

• The employee is required to talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms

• The employee is required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, couch, or crawl; and smell

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

• Over 50 pounds with assistance

• Lifting also requires bending, stooping, carrying and twisting

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus

There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification.

Occasional heavy lifting of program equipment may be necessary. (Ability to lift a child (up to 50 lbs) when necessary). The worker is subject to prolonged standing while conducting programs. Environmental conditions (physical surroundings) usually associated with this classification: includes recreation centers, gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, kitchens, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds, office space. 

Machines, tools, equipment, and work aids which may be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those commonly associated with this type of work: pen, pencil, ruler, blueprints, charts, contracts, diagrams, directives, documents, forms, manuals, publications, reference books, schedules, and specifications. Art/craft supplies, sports equipment, games and toys appropriate for preschool age children. 

SUPERVISION:

Work is performed under the general direction/supervision of the Recreation Program Coordinator and/or their designee. Assignments may vary from season to season and day to day. Assignments can be either verbal or written, with the employee determining proper procedure and work methods and is responsible for completing the work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communication, meetings and feedback from supervisors and other department employees.  Guidance is provided through rules, regulations, policies and procedures, Personnel Rules and OSHA. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with this classification standard.  

PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee will have contact with the general public in city-owned buildings.  The employee may need to respond to questions and complaints and provide general direction to the public; the employee has regular contact with other City employees in order to share information and complete work assignments.

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Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position.  Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity.  The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.  Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance