Park West Cooperative Nursery School Lead Co-Teacher Position

Park West Co-op Nursery School (“Park West”, https://www.parkwestcoop.org) has been a pillar of early childhood education in the Chicagoland area for over 50 years. We offer half-day and full-day class options for up to 106 students ages 2.5 to 5 years in addition to Toddler/Caregiver classes for 1.5 to 2 year olds and summer camp in a state of the art, award winning school building, located in the heart of Lincoln Park.

Our History and Philosophy

Established by a group of parents in 1972, Park West’s philosophy is informed by the developmental theories of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and John Dewey, and inspired the Reggio Emilia approach. Our program and approach is also informed by current research in early childhood education and development as well as the most current brain science available. We see play as the vehicle through which children acquire skills, access knowledge and retain information. Now recognized as the scientific standard for child development, our play-based, social constructivist curriculum is designed to encourage children to construct their own knowledge.  Park West infuses the classroom environment with opportunities for children to further their understanding of literacy, numbers, arts and science to encourage problem solving, negotiations, and cooperative learning.

As a Cooperative Nursery School, parents are integral to our operation. Our school is managed in partnership by a parent-volunteer Board of Directors, while all other parents are required to dedicate time to various committees as well as assisting in the classroom on a daily basis. We value the important role that parents play in their child’s development, and the home-school connection.  In respecting this role and connection, we provide the support and time necessary for children to transfer trust from parents to teachers through our carefully thought-out separation policy. 

Current Employment Opportunity

Park West teachers are experts in early childhood education. We dedicate ourselves to understanding and developing teaching methods that cater to each child's individual needs so they can grow in a positive way. We are currently hiring a part time lead co-teacher for the 2024-2025 school year, with a start date of August 26, 2024. Under the supervision of the Director and as part of the teaching team, the co-teacher is responsible for the education and general development of children in accordance with the Park West Cooperative Nursery School standards and its philosophy.


Summary of Position

Park West Cooperative Nursery School, a progressive play-based preschool in Lincoln Park, seeks a passionate educator to join our team as a part-time co-teacher. In this position, the co-teacher will be responsible for the education and development of students in accordance with the Park West Cooperative Nursery School standards and its philosophy. This is a part time position, with a start date of August 26, 2024.

What you can expect to do in this role:

  • Collaborate with co-teacher to develop play-based curriculum in response to observations of children’s interests and developmental levels.

  • Mentor and supervise assistant teacher. 

  • Maintain a consistent classroom schedule that supports children in their separation from home to school and allows for autonomous, child-led activities throughout the day.

  • Communicate with parents about the classroom program and their child through formal parent-teacher conferences held semi-annually, mini conferences upon request, informal talks and orientation session in the fall. 

  • Orient and supervise assisting parents.

  • Assume overall responsibility for classroom equipment and supplies, including  ordering, proper care and maintenance, and providing and rotating a variety of materials. 

  • Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, conferences, workshops and Co-op functions. 

  • Author newsletters informing parents about classroom activities, relevant events, and child development issues.

  • Setup and breakdown classroom and gym as required.

  • Respect all children and families and work to create the understanding with children that school is a place where they will be respected, honored, and included.

We believe that a successful candidate will need:

  • Ability to apply knowledge of child development and constructivist theory to classroom practice. 

  • A Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or a related field.

  • 3-5+ years of experience in an educator role, preferably in early education.

  • The ability to physically move about the classroom, gym and outdoor space with children, including sitting on the floor, climbing stairs and ladder, and at times lifting or carrying children ranging in weight from 20-60 lbs.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with children and their families.

Compensation for roles at Park West varies depending on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the role, skill set, and level of experience. The annual salary for this role will be between $25,000 and $35,000.

If you are interested in applying, please send your resume and cover letter to personnelchair@parkwestcoop.org.