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, 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.

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.

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

Pay:

$22.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person