Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher

Scope Of Responsibilities

• Provide a positive climate, responsive caregiving, and continuity to help children develop secure relationships while focusing on the children’s social and emotional well-being.
• Work with an assigned group of infants, toddlers and two’s, applying best practices for care and physical safety.
• Facilitate and nurture the development of each child’s self-esteem, trust, and growing autonomy.
• Integrate and assist children with special needs.
• Partner with families and encourage parent involvement through a variety of methods (e.g. classroom parent meetings & events and parent/child home activities).
• Obtain families’ social-cultural background information and designs meaningful learning experiences for children based on their findings.
• Incorporate rigorous academic instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) that will support children’s academic, intellectual, and linguistic development.
• Utilize fidelity measures to support the implementation of English Language Learner programs, and to inform linguistic and culturally responsive practices.
• Schedule and conduct at least two Home Visits and two Parent/Teacher Conferences annually for each child, each program year.
• Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire classroom; and ensure routines such as diapering, toileting/training, hand washing, meals are handled promptly and consistently with state and local regulations.
• Follow a consistent schedule that meets the individual needs of each child, including skill development, meals, napping, and effective transition between activities.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to children’s different and personal needs (verbal and non-verbal cues) and temperament styles.
• Engage and guide children at play, meeting them at their physical level (kneeling, bending, or sitting on the floor).
• Create and maintain an engaging learning environment that encourages exploration, interactions with adult caregivers, and independence.
• Develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, and outcomes that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent activities.
• Establish a professional rapport and work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom (e.g. Teachers, Assistants, Aides, Paraprofessionals, Parents, and Volunteers), establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities.
• Communicate regularly and convene meetings with the classroom team to review classroom and child data, seek input, discuss strategies, develop plans and create a cooperative relationship and environment.
• Supply suitable materials concrete and relevant to the children’s interests and culture that promotes high-quality early learning.
• Perform and ensure regular sanitation of all surfaces, changing stations, equipment classroom toys, and laundry.
• Aid in evaluations, assessments, and reports.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with two Infant/Toddler courses (minimum 6 college credit hours)
• Level 4 Gateways Infant/Toddler Certification or Erikson Institute Infant/Toddler Certification
• 1 - 3 years in an early childhood classroom required, preferably in a NAEYC accredited program and/or an Early Head Start or Prevention Initiative funded program

Experience

• Experience using Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold preferred

Skills

• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum design and teaching and instruction for children ages 0-3
• Ability to analyze and interpret Head Start Standards, State and local licensing requirements
• Ability to build rapport with children, parents, and families of high risk
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word
• Experience with database and/or recordkeeping software
• Computer literacy required; must be able to navigate basic computer functions, complete online training and communicate by email independently

Physical Requirements

• Occasional travel in the Chicagoland area may be required for training

Union Position

This is a union position.

Child Abuse Prevention

• Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:
• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Pay

Pay range is $43,888.00-$60,361.60 annually depending on qualifications and credentials.

Schedule

Flexible work hours for work-life balance.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.