We Are:
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and at locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.
We are strategic risk takers, innovators, and collaborators. We are engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals. We are over 2,000 employees advancing knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Fermilab has been at the forefront of particle physics for more than 40 years. We build world-leading accelerators and detectors to conduct some of the most advanced particle physics experiments possible. We collect and analyze the data from those experiments with some of the most powerful computers in the world. We conduct this research on a 6,800-acre prairie, 35 miles outside Chicago, a treasure that has been designated a National Environmental Research Park.
About the Role:
As a Day Care Teacher, you will be responsible for the daily care and development of an assigned group of children, under general supervision. The role involves planning and implementing engaging, age-appropriate activities that support the social, emotional, and cognitive growth of each child. The ideal candidate will provide positive guidance and supervision to ensure a safe, nurturing environment, while working collaboratively with fellow staff to maintain a cohesive approach to care and education. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position, requiring flexibility to meet the needs of the children and the center. Even in periods of low enrollment, your hours will remain consistent at 40 per week. We also offer paid time off and a 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan, with a 10% contribution after your second anniversary.
How you will spend your days as a Day Care Teacher at Fermilab:
- Establishes the care necessary for each child’s needs consistent with their age and stage of development; develops and executes programs/activities designed to encourage the social, physical, and intellectual development of children in the group which may require individual tailoring to various cultural differences.
- Assesses each child's development and recognizes problems of a cultural and/or developmental nature which may be exhibited by certain children; devises positive approaches to overcoming problems.
- Monitors and ensures that an appropriate and equal level of physical attention and care is given to each child in a manner consistent with their needs, age and stage of development and that all activities are conducted in an equitable manner.
- Ensures the group of children is exposed to emergency and evacuation procedures through periodic drills and games.
- Establishes and maintains a positive rapport with students' parents and co-teachers and participates in parent conferences when necessary.
- Responsible for the arrangement, appearance, decor, cleanliness and learning environment of the classroom.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.
- Contributes effectively within a diverse workforce and upholds Fermilab’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Skills and Attributes for Success:
Minimum Required Education and Experience:
- Associate degree with 12 complete semester hours in early childhood education and/or child development.
- 2+ years of experience teaching in an early care/education classroom.
Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- Knowledge of age-appropriate curriculum design and activity planning for different developmental stages.
- Knowledge of diverse cultures and the ability to implement inclusive teaching strategies.
- Ability to effectively communicate with children, parents, and colleagues in a clear and supportive manner.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, such as lesson planning, classroom setup, and child monitoring.
- Ability to collaborate with other teachers, staff, and parents to ensure the well-being and development of the children.
- Ability to adjust to the changing needs of the classroom, children, or unexpected situations.
- Ability to manage emotional stress while maintaining a positive and nurturing environment for the children.
Benefits & Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts effective immediately on day one for Full-Time employees
- Paid time off + Paid Holidays
- Life insurance
- Short and Long-term disability insurance
- 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan contributing 10% after 2nd anniversary.
- Tuition Reimbursement
Work Arrangement:
Please note that the work arrangement described is subject to change based on business needs and may not be final.
- Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.
Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is essential to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factor.
REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab and FRA requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.
