Lead Teacher (Early Childhood 3-5)

Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.

About the role

As Lead Teacher, you will implement Head Start standards for children, age 3-5, and their families, ensuring that services are individualized and meet the social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs of your students. You’ll be part of the Community Child Care Center of Palatine Township team, an Early Childhood Education Center with COA and NAEYC accreditation and ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation. Our cohesive team style and supportive, high-quality supervision create a rewarding work environment.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements individualized learning that meets the social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs of all children in the classroom.
• Maintains knowledge of Center philosophy and classroom operations, including Head Start program performance standards, ISBE requirements, and NAEYC requirements, when applicable.
• Implements classroom curriculum to support high-quality teaching and learning practices which reflect mandated elements and components, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children.
• Conducts developmental screenings and regular assessments and uses information for lesson planning.
• Enters all required information on children, including assessment results, into data management system.
• Identifies children who may require additional assistance and works with supervisor to make appropriate referrals.
• Completes weekly child observations and enters them into the organization’s assessment tool; ensures that observations are completed by classroom staff and assists them as needed.
• Meets weekly with classroom and other staff as required to review lesson plans, share teaching strategies, and discuss children’s progress.
• Mentors and trains Teachers, Classroom Support Aides, student interns, and volunteers assigned in the classroom in basic child development and classroom techniques.
• Assists supervisor in completing annual performance reviews and other performance management activities for classroom staff.
• Leads integration of supplemental learning initiatives for parents and children into classroom and plans and implements regular activities for parents to connect home and classroom learning.
• Completes and submits required monthly reports, monitoring reports, and all other documentation to supervisor, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with a minimum of 24 hours of Early Childhood Education classes required.
• Illinois Professional Educators License (PEL) required or must be obtained within 24 months of employment.
• Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 5 Credential required.
• A minimum of two years working with children and/or families required.
• Ability to drive and access to a personal vehicle preferred.
• Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish preferred. (Candidates without the required degree/credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan).

Pay

Salary range is between $57k–$59k. Offers are based on relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and organizational needs. Bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three scheduled weeks of paid time off each year (Spring, Summer, Winter) plus additional flexible paid leave that accrues based on tenure.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Supplemental insurance options.
• 401(k) with match.
• Access to leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship through the Emerging Leaders program.
• Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Schedule

Full-time, salaried position. The center is open Monday–Friday, 7:30am–5:30pm; assigned shifts will vary.