Early Childhood Instructor

DeKalb Park District

Position Description

DEPARTMENT:Recreation

TITLE:    Early Childhood Program Instructor

CLASSIFICATION:Part-Time, Non-Exempt

SUMMARY OF POSITION:Plans,Instructs, monitors, and implements early childhood (infant to approximately 5-years-old) programs and recreational activities that support children's development, creativity, social interaction, and learning while maintaining a safe, welcoming, and age-appropriate environment for program participants.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Recreation Program Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with the organization, supervision, and implementation of early childhood activities and programs.
• Help plan, prepare, and execute age-appropriate activities and program schedules that support early childhood development and align with program goals and guidelines.
• Supervise young children to ensure their safety, engagement, and positive participation while encouraging independence, cooperation, and social interaction.
• Lead activities that promote early learning, creativity, fine and gross motor skills, language development, and social-emotional growth through play and exploration.
• Adapt activities and instruction to accommodate varying development stages, abilities, and individual needs.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating appropriate behavior, language, patience and attitude at all times.
• Maintain accurate records, including attendance, incident reports, and other required documentation.
• Interact professionally and courteously with participants, parents/guardians, staff, and the public.
• Support risk management efforts by identifying potential hazards and following established safety procedures.
• Provide first aid as needed.
• Contribute as an active participant, engaging with children and contributing to a positive environment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe program site, including activity areas and common spaces.
• Communicate with the Recreation Program Manager regarding all program needs including supply and equipment needs, participant behavior concerns, etc.
• Follow all district policies, procedures, and safety guidelines, including emergency behavior management procedures.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES: 

• Light janitorial duties required.
• Provide backup to related positions when necessary.
• Assist in the research of program supplies and equipment as necessary.

Qualifications

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Must be certified in Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid from an accredited organization or obtain certification within two months.
• Must be a certified Mandated Reporter, or obtain certification with two months.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience working with young children, or a strong interest in early childhood programming and development.
• Understanding of age-appropriate activities and practices that support early childhood learning and development.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to assist in planning, organizing, and implementing program activities.
• Ability to portray a professional image of the District.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, run, move about unlevel areas, bend, reach, kneel and use hands to instruct and cue participants. The position requires the ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively with young children and care-takers participants in both a group setting and individual setting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties associated with this job, the employee may be required to work outside, during various weather conditions, including hot temperatures, humidity and rain. The employee may also be required to work inside a gymnasium or recreation center and be near people playing games, sports, or other activities/programs. The noise levels may be moderate to loud depending on the program site.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference and /or background check; job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.