HS-EHS Teacher - Float

At Easterseals of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, we are committed to two – often interconnecting - pillars of work: early learning and disability. Through these pillars, we transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit healthcare organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford since 1936.

About the role

The HS-EHS Teacher–Float (Floating Teacher) supports the center primarily by providing coverage for teacher time off and offering additional classroom support as needed. This role also requires maintaining director credentials and serving as director on a limited basis when the Director and Assistant Director are unavailable. The Floating Teacher must be flexible and comfortable teaching varying age groups of children.

As an HS/PFA and EHS/PI Teacher, the Floating Teacher implements program objectives and services in compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, and the Illinois State Board of Education requirements. This position contributes to the development of the center’s educational plan to meet the needs of each individual child enrolled, in accordance with NAEYC and Head Start Performance Standards.

This position is located at Easterseals Early Learning Center- Hickory Hills, 8020 W. 87th St., Hickory Hills, IL 60457.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom coverage for PTO, plan time, coaching sessions, and additional classroom support as needed.
• Complete screenings and assessments and maintain data in both ChildPlus and Teaching Strategies Gold.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD and use these systems effectively.
• Implement active supervision systems to ensure the safety of all children, ensuring no child is ever left alone or unsupervised.
• Create a classroom atmosphere where children can develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and creatively.
• Support the classroom team in creating a developmentally appropriate and inclusive environment for all children, including those with disabilities, social-emotional needs, and challenging behaviors.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans, modifying curriculum and individualizing lesson plans for children with disabilities based on IEP goals.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents, engaging them in their children’s development and learning.
• Share screening results with parents and ensure re-screenings, referrals, and follow-ups are conducted as needed.
• Promptly address parental questions, concerns, and complaints, and report them to center leadership.
• Participate in Coaching to Fidelity as needed and support classroom quality in partnership with leadership and consultants.
• Attend and complete required and recommended training and meetings.
• Actively invest in your own development and complete an ongoing professional development plan.
• Support the center in maintaining the highest levels in ExeleRate and NAEYC Accreditation.
• Ensure the center is a clean and safe learning environment, sharing responsibility for cleaning up after classroom activities and proper care of equipment and supplies.
• Support the center’s school readiness goals.
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education per year.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (ECE) or in another related field with at least 30 hours in ECE.
• Gateway Early Childhood Credential Level 4 and Infant Toddler credential Level 4 within one year of hire.
• A paraprofessional license is required within 6 months of hire.
• 2 years of early childhood classroom experience.
• 1 year of experience in Head Start/Early Head Start preferred.
• 1 year of experience serving culturally and linguistically diverse children in early childhood settings.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related software, including Microsoft Teams.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Knowledge of Illinois Early Learning Guidelines (IELGs) and Illinois Early Learning Development Standards (IELDSs).
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and a reliable vehicle.

Skills

• Ability to create a classroom atmosphere where children can develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and creatively.
• Ability to multi-task in a high-stress environment and float between classrooms.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with diverse personalities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Well-organized and detail-oriented.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic competency with office equipment, including laptops and other portable devices.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to accommodate the needs of families.
• Able to manage multiple projects.

Physical Requirements

Unless exempted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons hired for this position are required to possess the ability to perform physical tasks necessary to treat clients, including bending and floor-sitting, as well as the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.

Pay

$46,384 - $69,514/Annually