Preschool TeacherAt — The Goddard School of Lake Forest

Teaching at The Goddard School of Lake Forest offers hands-on experience in early childhood education, including classroom management, curriculum implementation, positive teacher-child interactions, and the creation of developmentally appropriate learning experiences. 

Duties include (but are not limited to):

• Supporting children during group activities, learning centers, outdoor activities, and classroom transitions
• Supervising children at all times while maintaining a safe and engaging classroom environment
• Assisting children with daily routines, including meals and snacks, toileting, handwashing, rest/nap time, and drop-off/pick-up time
• Observing children’s peer interactions, interests, behaviors, and developmental progress
• Communicating professionally and respectfully with children, families, teachers, and administrators
• Following school policies, classroom procedures, and applicable health and safety regulations

- Student will observe and participate in developmentally appropriate activities for children ages 4-5
- Student will assist with classroom routines, transitions, group activities, learning centers, and structured learning experiences
- Student will encourage language, communication, problem-solving, creativity, and independence through play-based learning
- Student will observe children’s behavior, interactions, and developmental skills while recording relevant observations for practicum
- Student will support children during daily routines such as arrival, meals/snacks, cleanup, handwashing, and transitions
- Student will follow all classroom, school, health, safety, and confidentiality policies
- Student will reflect on classroom experience and connect observations to concepts and theories learned through university practicum course

Training:

- Student will receive an orientation to the classroom, daily schedule, routines, expectations, and school policies
- Supervising teacher will review daily tasks, routines, and appropriate communication strategies for working with preschool-age children
- Ongoing guidance will be provided for the student with one-on-one meetings every Friday
- Supervising teacher will provide feedback regarding the student’s interactions with children and participation in classroom activities
- Student will receive guidance on classroom safety, health procedures, sanitation, emergency procedures, and supervision requirements while being expected to follow all policies

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices for preschool-aged children, develop skills in observing and documenting children’s behaviors, interactions, interests, and developmental progress, demonstrate effective and age-appropriate communication with young children, and identify strategies teachers use to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.