Metra Chaperone and Early Childhood Aide (Kindergarten)

Start Date - August 16, 2023

About the School

Science & Arts Academy (SAA) is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational, not-for-profit day school for students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade located in Des Plaines, IL. SAA educates gifted children in an academically differentiated and enriched environment while recognizing the unique development of each child. Our supportive community encourages students to embrace their potential and cultivates their academic abilities, creative talents, and emotional growth.

The school is committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body. SAA values the representation and full engagement of individuals within our community whose differences include – but are not limited to – age, ethnicity, family makeup, gender identity and expression, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

SAA seeks to hire highly qualified educators who will contribute to a school environment that challenges academically and creatively talented students, honors excellence in teaching and learning, and respects differences in individuals. SAA takes the child where he or she is and provides academic challenges appropriate to the student’s ability, aptitude, and intelligence while recognizing and supporting the unique social/emotional needs of gifted children.

SAA embraces and celebrates the diversity of our school, and works to create and sustain a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just community that is safe and welcoming for all; we recognize to do so requires commitment, reflection, deliberate planning and action, and ongoing accountability.

About the Metra Chaperone Position

SAA is looking for a Metra Transportation Chaperone to specifically supervise a group (approximately four or five students) of Junior Kindergarten to Second Graders (four to eight year-olds) who commute on the Metra to and from school each day.

The chaperone will join a team of two other experienced chaperones who also work at the school, ensuring the safe transport of students from the Clybourn Metra Station (2001 North Ashland Ave. in Chicago) to school in the morning and back to Clybourn in the afternoon. The chaperones travel with students on the SAA shuttle bus and SUV that commutes between the school and the Des Plaines Metra Station, a distance of about a half-mile.

Time Commitment

Daily attendance is required on all school days. Times are approximate and subject to Metra delays, and the chaperone is responsible for remaining with students in the event of any delays, schedule adjustments, and/or until students are safely united with their caregiver.

Clybourn to Des Plaines 7:43 train; 8:09 arrival

7:30-8:20am- includes student sign-in, supervision when boarding and en route, travel with students on shuttle to school.

Des Plaines to Clybourn 3:31 train; 3:59 arrival

3:15-4:05pm- includes travel with students on shuttle from school to Des Plaines station, supervision when boarding and en route, and student sign-out.

Compensation

This is a stipended position that will be in addition to the Early Childhood Aide compensation.

The school also covers the cost of the chaperone’s Metra pass for the duration of the school-year.

Required Qualifications

• Experience supervising young children, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility.
• Demonstrated track record of punctuality, responsibility and accountability.
• Exhibits a high degree of judgment when needed to keep students safe.
• Expected to solve problems or address issues that require immediate attention, especially in stressful situations.
• Passage of comprehensive background check.
• Completion of CPR certification and other safety training as mandated by the school.

About the Early Childhood Aide Position

The Early Childhood Aide supports the overall Kindergarten program by assisting the Kindergarten teacher, supervising transitions, recess, snacks, and lunch.

Along with the lead teacher, the Aide is instrumental in helping to nourish gifted students’ hunger for exploration, play, and knowledge. Class sizes average 14 students.

The Aide is a critical part of a successful educational team working in partnership to ensure a rich and engaging school experience, which includes building warm, respectful and supportive relationships with children and nurturing a safe and stimulating learning environment. Further, the Early Childhood Aide demonstrates a commitment to social/emotional learning and believes in the critical importance of diversity in the life of a school.

Responsibilities

The following list outlines some expectations for the Early Childhood Classroom Aide:

• Help with classroom preparations
• Welcome children into the classroom and assist with dismissal and transitions
• Be alert to children’s needs and respond appropriately
• Share observations and insights about children and activities with teachers
• Contribute ideas and talents to classroom and school community
• Occasionally lead activities/lessons with groups of children
• Supervise lunch and recess duties
• Maintain confidentiality of students, parents and school matters
• Participate in professional development, including teacher in-service days
• Adhere to school policies in the SAA Employment Manual and Employment Agreement
• Assuming lead instructional responsibilities in the event another internal or external substitute cannot be found, providing important continuity and consistency during an Early Childhood teacher’s absence.

Desired Characteristics

• A passion for working with young children
• Demonstrated talent in creating a positive, nurturing environment for students
• The ability to work closely and collaboratively with the Lead Teacher
• Belief in the critical importance of diversity in the life of a school
• Commitment to social and emotional learning

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated experience working with young children

​​How to Apply

Application materials sent in a single Word, Google Doc, or PDF to Tim Costello, Head of School: employment@scienceandartsacademy.org.

• Cover letter indicating specific interest in the position
• Resume
• List of three references (name, contact information, relationship to candidate)

SAA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin or sexual identity in its hiring processes.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $22.50 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
All employees required to be fully vaccinated.

Work Location: In person

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