Early Head Start Teacher

About the role

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Responsibilities

• Create a vibrant classroom environment based on ITERS guidelines and integrate CLASS concepts into daily teacher-child interactions and routines, aligning with the IELDS/Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Plan and implement lesson plans using researched-based Creative Curriculum with clear goals, objectives, experiences, and outcomes for children, integrating health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent involvement.
• Complete required documentation, use child assessments, screening results and observation data to design developmentally appropriate experiences that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development for every child.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences and home visits each year, building strong relationships and partnerships with families to support children’s growth. Participate in Family Child Reviews.
• Adhere to Individualized Education Programs and Family Service Plans, providing tailored support for every child as directed by Lead Teacher, Education Managers or Consultants.
• Incorporate children’s interests, cultures, and school readiness goals into individualized and group learning opportunities, celebrating the richness of our community.
• Ensure safety by adhering to state licensing standards, Head Start guidelines, and ISBE regulations by implementing active supervision strategies to ensure the safety of all children, guaranteeing that no child is ever left alone or unattended. Implement positive discipline guidance in the classroom to create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages positive interactions.
• Maintain accurate documentation of each child’s health, skills, and development, facilitating curriculum planning sessions to set clear learning goals based on findings. Monitor child education binders and ensure all confidential information is protected. Maintain Education binders.
• Collaborate with Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide to uphold the organization’s core values. This entails keeping the classroom environment organized, addressing the diaper or potty-training requirements of the children, as necessary.
• Stay compliant with all Early Head Start/Prevention Initiative regulations, DCFS State licensing Standards, Standards of Conduct and Start Early philosophy, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. Manage responsibilities about daily attendance, parent sign-in and complete meal participation reports.
• Engage in recruitment activities to maintain full enrollment in the program, engaging with families in the community to spread awareness about the benefits of our program offerings.
• Participate in continuous professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in supporting children’s school readiness goals. This includes ongoing reflective supervision, all staff meetings, pre-service training and other required training sessions during professional development days.
• Perform other duties as assigned, adhering to all relevant regulations and agency policies.

Requirements

• Average of 2 years of experience in an early childhood setting, ideally with knowledge of Head Start/Preschool for All programs.
• A minimum of an Associate's degree in early childhood education (ECE) or Child Development (CD), OR Sixty (60) college credit hours with a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours (6 semester hours of which are in infant/toddler development).
• Illinois Gateways Infant/Toddler Credential Level 3, Food Handler Certification, First Aid and CPR preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with children and families from diverse backgrounds.

Skills

• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum, Coaching to Fidelity, Teaching Strategies GOLD, ITERS/ECERS and CLASS and Child Developmentally screening and assessment tools.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Pay

Base Annual Salary: $45,778.00-$46,698.00

Schedule

N/A