Early Head Start Lead Teacher

About the role

The Early Head Start Lead Teacher works in the BYN-Breakthrough Beginners and is primarily responsible to work with the staff and Director to plan and lead the day-to-day operations of a classroom for children 24–36 months. The Early Head Start Teacher at Breakthrough is responsible for delivering comprehensive early childhood education services to children in a safe, nurturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge and act in compliance with DCFS, City of Chicago, DFSS and Head Start regulations and standards
• Understands and adheres to CLASS, ITERS, Teaching Strategies, Creative Curriculum and other classroom tools
• Collaborate with teaching team to provide a classroom environment that is reflective of diverse races, cultures, and languages; adapts teaching in response to children’s differences
• Complete meal preparation sheets, child development files, anecdotal and developmental observations of each child, maintaining confidentiality of family records and information
• Collaboratively plans developmentally appropriate activities for small/large groups that address the needs identified in assessments. Activities must promote multiculturalism and aid in the development of critical-thinking skill
• Document children’s growth and development using written observations, photography and assessment tools
• Conduct, document and follow-up on daily child health checks
• Enjoy family-style mealtimes with students and encourages them to serve themselves and feed themselves independently
• Change diapers and pull-ups, as needed, and assist students in toileting
• Develop and build positive relationships with parents/guardians by greeting them and communicating with them, as well as providing experiences that enhance their roles as their child’s primary influence in growth and development
• Encourage parents to become involved in the classroom, as well as the Parent Committee and Policy Committee
• Participate in annual parent orientation/open house at least twice per year
• Utilize the assistance of the Family Support Staff, Mental Health Consultant and other professionals to assist and refer parents to community resources
• Conduct and participate in home visits twice per year at the designated time
• Participate in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends
• Participate in supervision meetings and workshops within the center and outside (if applicable)
• Participate in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of Breakthrough
• Assist center personnel in planning special events and other enrichment activities
• Attends and engages in professional development opportunities, such as staff meetings, in-service trainings, and conferences. Participates in at least 20 hours of professional development annually
• Performing other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education preferred OR Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education with at least 6 credit hours in Infants/Toddlers required
• One (1) year previous direct early childhood classroom experience OR 1-2 years related experience
• Experience with Lesson planning and/or proficiency with the Teaching Strategies platform
• Experience with culturally responsive teaching
• Experience with multi-cultural programming
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organization skills
• Ability to pass a criminal record, a physical and child abuse/neglect registry check
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs (average child’s weight)

Skills

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Interpret and explain policies, procedures, and relevant laws
• Strong interpersonal skills, professionalism and problem-solving skills
• Warm, supportive attitude toward all people
• Willingness to consistently improve work performance through relationships and guidance
• Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive information
• Create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others

Benefits

• Medical - Group medical benefits through UnitedHealthcare
• Dental - Group dental benefits through UnitedHealthcare
• Vision - Group vision benefits through UnitedHealthcare
• Life - Term life insurance to the employee’s family in case of death
• Short and long-term disability - Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) Plan - Tax-deferred annuity
• Section 125 Plan (FSA) - Premiums for medical insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, dependent care expenses, and/or transit and parking on a “before tax” rather than an “after tax” basis
• Vacation Days - Vacation days based on tenure with the organization
• Personal Days - Personal days annually, pro-rated in year one
• Sick Days - Sick days annually, pro-rated in year one