The Oak Park River Forest Day Nursery (The Day Nursery) is a not-for-profit early childhood organization located at 1139 Randolph St, in Oak Park, Illinois. The mission is to provide exceptional early childhood education in an environment that welcomes all children, enhancing individual strengths, and fostering the academic, social-emotional, and physical development that leads to school readiness. The Day Nursery is one of only 10% of all childcare programs that are nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Day Nursery is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Please visit the website https://thedaynursery.org for more information about the values, curriculum, and philosophy of our high-quality program.

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Lead Classroom Teacher- Preschool For All, is responsible for the care and education of children as a member of the teaching team. Ensures the planning and implementation of the curriculum in accordance with all requirements of the State Board of Education Preschool For All Grant Funding. The Lead Classroom Teacher - Preschool For All facilitates the supervision, guidance, and safety of all children both directly in their care and within the organization. They support the teaching team and Program Director in maintaining all aspects of classroom operation including ISBE and DCFS Licensing requirements, NAEYC standards for best practice, ExcelerateIL, and all organizational policies and procedures. The salary range is $42,000-$45,000 depending on qualifications.

Mandatory Job Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education OR a related field with a minimum of 18 college coursework semester hours in child development or early childhood education.
2. Meet the Illinois DCFS Teacher requirements as outlined in the Child Care Licensing Standards Section 407.140
3. Possess the Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education or currently pursuing a PEL.
4. Possess an IL Gateways ECE Credential Level 5 or higher
5. Be able to lift children up to 50 lbs. if necessary.
6. Possess current First Aid and CPR Certification (or obtain within first 30 days of hire)
7. Must be at least 21 years of age.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education OR a related field with a minimum of 18 college coursework semester hours in child development or early childhood education.
• Three to five years of teaching experience.
• Teaching Endorsements, including Special Education, Bi-lingual or ESL

Salary: The starting salary is $55,000

The Day Nursery is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. The Day Nursery complies with federal and state laws and regulations regarding EEO, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA). Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact Michelle Arnold, President of the Board. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references attention: Kira Smith, [email protected], or mail 1139 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302. Direct any questions to Vicki Gregor, [email protected]. Resumes will be accepted until the position is hired. If interested please send your information as soon as possible. Our goal is to hire no later than July 1, 2023.