About this role
District 7 Kid Zone is seeking caring, dependable, and enthusiastic Individualized Care Childcare Counselors to support children in grades PreK–5 in our before and after school program located at District 7 elementary schools. Individualized Care Childcare Counselors perform the same core duties as Kid Zone Childcare Counselors while providing additional individualized support to an assigned child. This position is designed to help the assigned child successfully participate in the Kid Zone environment, routines, activities, and social experiences. Individualized Care Childcare Counselors will receive standard Kid Zone Counselor training as well as additional training regarding the specific supports, strategies, routines, and accommodations necessary for the child to whom they are assigned. Counselors will work closely with Kid Zone supervisors and administration to consistently implement these supports while promoting the child's safety, participation, independence, and success within the program. For those taking college courses, we will work with your class schedule to accommodate shift availability. Shifts
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 6:15–9:00 AM and/or 3:15–6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 6:15–9:00 AM and/or 2:30–6:00 PM
• Additional full-day shifts available on non-school days
• Opportunities for summer employment in our Summer Zone program and continued employment in future school years
Position Requirements
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must successfully complete all required background checks in accordance with Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), including:
• Illinois State Police and FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check
• Illinois Sex Offender Registry
• National Sex Offender Registry
• Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS)
• Employment is contingent upon receipt of full background check clearance.
• Candidates are not permitted to begin work or have any contact with children until all required clearances have been received and approved.
• Individuals who do not receive clearance are not eligible for employment.
• Must provide evidence of physical fitness to perform assigned duties and freedom from communicable disease in accordance with Section 24-5 of the Illinois School Code within 30 days of employment.
• Must obtain and maintain certification in Child and Adult CPR/First Aid/AED within 90 days of employment.
• Must complete all required Illinois Department of Human Services training within 90 days of employment.
• Must complete all Kid Zone Counselor training and required child-specific individualized care training.
• Must be willing and able to consistently follow individualized support strategies, routines, accommodations, and safety procedures as directed by Kid Zone administration.
• Must be available to work at any of the Kid Zone sites within the district as scheduled.
• Previous experience working with children is preferred. Experience supporting children with individualized behavioral, developmental, communication, sensory, or social-emotional needs is beneficial but not required.
• Must have availability for a minimum of five shifts per week.
Responsibilities
• Maintain supervision, safety, and well-being of children in the Kid Zone program.
• Provide consistent individualized support to an assigned child while encouraging participation and independence within the Kid Zone environment.
• Implement the child-specific strategies, routines, accommodations, and supports established by Kid Zone administration and provided through individualized training.
• Assist the assigned child with successful participation in program routines, transitions, recreation, free play, social interactions, and other Kid Zone activities.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to the assigned child's individual needs using the strategies provided through training.
• Encourage age-appropriate independence and inclusion rather than completing tasks for the child when the child is able to participate independently or with support.
• Communicate observations, concerns, changes in behavior, or support needs promptly to the Site Coordinator and/or Kid Zone administration.
• Complete required documentation regarding the child's participation, behavior, incidents, or individualized supports accurately and promptly as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding the assigned child and their individual needs, supports, and personal information.
• Maintain awareness of and assist with the supervision, safety, and well-being of other children in the program when appropriate while maintaining primary responsibility for the assigned child's individualized support.
• Follow direction and complete tasks assigned by supervisors.
• Work both independently and collaboratively as part of the Kid Zone team.
• Facilitate indoor and outdoor activities, including preparation and clean-up.
• Ensure smooth and efficient transitions between activities.
• Monitor children's behavior, reinforce expectations, and address inappropriate behavior using Kid Zone procedures and individualized strategies as appropriate.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of program areas and materials.
• Follow all District 7 policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and work rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Individualized Care Expectations
• Develop a positive, supportive relationship with the assigned child while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Learn the child's established routines, communication methods, preferred supports, triggers, regulation strategies, and other information necessary to support successful participation in Kid Zone.
• Provide support in a calm, respectful, consistent, and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Use proactive strategies to help prevent difficulties and support successful transitions, participation, and interactions.
• Follow established procedures for responding when the child requires additional behavioral, emotional, sensory, communication, or safety support.
• Seek assistance from the Site Coordinator or Kid Zone administration when a situation exceeds the counselor's training or assigned responsibilities.
• Participate in additional training, coaching, or meetings related to the child's individualized care as required.
• Maintain flexibility as individualized supports may be adjusted based on the child's needs and Kid Zone administration's direction.
Professional Demeanor
• Maintain respectful, professional communication with colleagues and supervisors.
• Maintain positive, respectful communication with children and families.
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of children and families.
• Demonstrate patience, consistency, empathy, and sound judgment when supporting children with individualized needs.
• Demonstrate strong work habits and professionalism, including:
• Promptness and reliability
• Positive attitude
• Sound judgment
• High-quality work
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to receive and implement feedback and coaching
Essential Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to speak, hear, see, write, walk, climb, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, twist, turn, push, pull, and reach above the head and below the knees on a regular and repetitive basis.
• Ability to use hands for repetitive gripping, grasping, lifting, and manipulation of materials and equipment.
• Ability to actively participate in and supervise indoor and outdoor activities and remain in close proximity to an assigned child as necessary to provide appropriate supervision and support.
Contingent upon Board Approval Position Type: Part-Time Salary: $16.00 per hour