Job Description

Co-Teacher, 2026- 2027 School Year

August 24th - June 11th

8:45- 3PM, Mondays- Wednesdays- Fridays 

*with opportunity to increase to 5 days, enrollment depending.

Location: Albany Park, Chicago. Location subject to change due to inclement weather. 

Position Summary: River Oak is a fully outdoor, year round preschool program located in the Albany Park neighborhood. The role of the co-teacher is to prepare and facilitate the creation of outdoor spaces that inspire play and learning for children ages 2.5 - 5. This role involves observation and assessment of the children’s interests, play styles, and their development over time. Interests may range from wild imaginative play to wonderings such as “what do animals do in winter?” Questions we ask ourselves- What do we notice each child working on cognitively, social-emotionally, and physically? How can we create an environment that further supports their growth and development? Teachers set up play spaces daily using a variety of loose parts such as kitchen dishes, tapestries, wooden log swings, and blanket activities. 

River Oak is a child-led, play-based program. What that means to us is that the children lead the way, while the teachers create a safe, calm environment for the children to thrive. We approach children with respect and calm, asking open ended questions and supporting conflict resolution through curiosity. Co-teachers must be comfortable taking a step back, spending ample time each day in observation of the children. 

This role requires someone who is creative, self-motivated, and takes initiative. Our curriculum is based upon the combination of our observations of the children as well as the natural phenomenon occurring in the park. The person in this role must be able to use planning time (1 hour per week) to create tangible, developmentally appropriate, engaging activities and experiences for the children during the school day. These may range from structured blanket activities that target a specific skill (i.e. fine motor development), to ideas for materials that can be added to enrich the playspace. The key is that all ideas are coming from knowledge and observation of the children’s development and learning. The person in this role must be able to collaborate effectively with their co-teacher during the day. While in observation of the children during play, teachers are expected to brainstorm and develop curriculum.

Qualifications:

  • Experience working with young children, 2.5- 5, in a formal or informal group care setting.

  • Experience developing nature- based developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool aged children.

  • Some knowledge of child development, early childhood education, environmental science and/or other relevant areas of expertise for outdoor learning. Preferred degree in child development or early childhood education.

  • CPR and First Aid certified by start date

  • Ability to pass a background check

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Be reliable and punctual. It is absolutely essential that teachers show up on time, every day. We are a very small program, so teachers must be able to commit to the days and hours to maintain safe teacher to child ratios. 

  • Have a calm, joyful energy. We aim to provide children a calm, safe space that is infused with love and joy. A teacher’s energy has a huge impact on the environment. 

  • Aide in curriculum development and planning each week. A creative mindset with the ability to collaborate and brainstorm with co-teacher. Exact planning duties will depend on the expertise of each teacher. 

  • Participate in regular and ongoing observation and communication with co-teachers about the children’s development.

  • Some outside school hours to support events may be required. This will always be paid time and the teacher will be given ample notice of any events.

  • Maintain personal comfort in an outdoor setting in all types of weather, this includes rain and snow. Be joyful about all weather.

  • Must be flexible and adaptable to changing weather, environments, and daily plans.

  • Must be able to creatively problem solve, while staying calm and grounded. 

  • First Aid & CPR certified

Physical Responsibilities:

  • Ability to stand, sit, kneel, walk, etc. on all types of terrain. We sit on the ground frequently in all types of weather. 

  • Ability to work in all weather for 6.25 hours per shift.

  • Ability to lift and carry heavy materials, and pull a heavy wagon through various terrains.

Applications: Please email cover letter and resume to riveroakcoop@gmail.com.