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 or Full-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. 

·       Utilize technology in curriculum planning and implementation

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