Early Childhood Enrichment Instructor-Safety Village

Summary:  The instructor will be responsible for creating and implementing lesson plans that align with the program's focus on safety. Instructor will guide children through engaging activities, foster a positive and fun learning environment, and work closely with community safety personnel to offer real-world experiences. The ideal candidate is passionate about working with young children, has a creative approach to teaching, and possesses strong leadership and organizational skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Include, but not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Develop and implement interactive lesson plans within program guidelines, ensuring that all activities align with the program’s goals.
• Lead role-playing activities, art projects, storytelling sessions, while providing hands-on practical experiences.
• Facilitate practical experiences in Safety Village, encouraging hands-on learning in real-life scenarios.
• Collaborate with local Police and Fire Department representatives to organize demonstrations and safety talks for the children.
• Create a welcoming, supportive, and safe classroom environment that fosters learning and curiosity.
• Monitor and assess children’s progress, adjusting activities as necessary to meet the developmental needs of the group.
• Maintain a clean and safe activity room.
• Provide positive and professional communication with parents and guardians.
• Collect and maintain emergency forms for participants.
• Take attendance and utilize sign-in sheets.
• Follow emergency procedures as outlined in the facility Emergency Action Plan.
• Report any problems, unsafe conditions, behavior issues and accidents to the Supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
 

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have basic computer skills to operate word documents, program applications, and email.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum of 2 years of experience teaching young children in a formal setting. Strong leadership, organizational, and stellar classroom management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of safety education and procedures is a plus.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid Driver's License, American Red Cross CPR/AED Certification preferred, or related field certification. 

Work Schedule: To be determined by Supervisor. 

Benefits: May be eligible to use District facilities and programs at a reduced rate. 

The Park District of Highland Park is an equal opportunity employer.