Early Childhood Education Intern
Basic Information
Organization: Gorton Children’s Learning Center Job Title: Early Childhood Education Intern Position Type: Internship Reports To: Classroom Teacher / Lead Teacher Work-Study Program: No
Job Description
The Children’s Learning Center is seeking an Early Childhood Education Intern to support classroom teachers. This position is well-suited to a calm, patient individual who thrives in a busy, hands-on environment and is pursuing a degree in early childhood education, elementary education, or a related field. The intern will support the classroom teacher across all daily duties, gaining direct experience with infant and toddler care, curriculum planning, and classroom management.
Duties include:
- Interacting with children in a positive manner, using positive language when speaking to children
- Assisting with planning age-appropriate activities and curriculum targeting areas related to child development, such as social, motor, and language skills
- Working with children one-on-one and in groups, supervising activities, and keeping students on task
- Serving snacks and using mealtimes as an opportunity to incorporate learning, especially social skills
- Introducing students to concepts to be explored further in kindergarten, such as early literacy experiences
- Helping students interact and adapt socially through activities that promote group engagement and fairness, such as group music experiences and parallel play for choosing activities
- Assisting with general room cleanliness and classroom organization
- Performing other duties as assigned
Position Details
Location Type: Onsite Onsite Location: Lake Forest, Illinois, United States
Time Requirements
Schedule: Part-time, seasonal Total Hours: 150 hours over the course of the internship Typical Weekly Hours: Approximately 10–15 hours per week, Monday–Friday (hours will vary and will be communicated in advance) Employment Duration: Temporary/seasonal
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation: $2,250 stipend for the internship
Candidate Qualifications
Work Authorization: This position requires US work authorization
Required/Preferred Skills:
- Team player
- Comfortable changing diapers, feeding children, and maintaining general room cleanliness
- Comfortable using technology to communicate
- Respect for diversity
- Excellent listening skills
- Positive reinforcement practices
- Patience and understanding
- Tolerance for different learning abilities
- Calm demeanor in a busy environment
Education:
- Actively pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field
- Major Groups: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education
Additional Requirements (DCFS):
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Medical exam
- Three (3) reference letters
- Mandated reporter online training
How to Apply
Candidates should submit applications through Handshake. The following documents are required:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Number of Hires: 1