Teacher (Early Childhood 0-3)

About the role

El Hogar del Niño, now part of Brightpoint, has been a leader in providing high-quality early childhood care and education services, with an expert focus on the needs of Latinx and newly arriving families in the Pilsen community for 50 years. Brightpoint and El Hogar Del Niño believe that family is the most important asset for child and youth wellbeing, rooted in each organization’s commitment to early childhood care and education. The Early Childhood Teacher is a critical member of the team, using Head Start, Early Head Start, and Creative Curriculum® to enhance the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of children through play and hands-on experiences.

As an Early Childhood Education Center with NAEYC accreditation and ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation, you’ll be part of a cohesive team with supportive, high-quality supervision.

Responsibilities

• Participates in classroom curriculum implementation to support high-quality teaching and learning practices, reflecting mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promoting social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Responsible for the education requirements of children in assigned classroom, including all required screenings.
• Assesses children and evaluates and documents results.
• Works collaboratively with the teaching team to establish classroom guidelines and goals, contributing ideas for lesson plans.
• Conducts small group, large group, and individualized activities.
• Actively supervises and ensures the safety and wellbeing of all children in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Maintains knowledge of therapeutic and educational approaches in early education.
• Ensures safety rules are observed and guards against harmful situations on field trips, walking trips, and the playground.
• Prepares supplies and environment for activities.

Requirements

For Teacher (0-3 year olds):

• Associate's Degree in Child Development or a closely related field with 18+ hours of ECE credits required OR Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and enrollment in a college program in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a closely related field with at least 30 credit hours completed, including 12 hours in Early Childhood Education.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 4 credential within 12 months of employment required.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Level 4 credential within 12 months of employment required.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with children and/or families required.
• 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 $40,000–$45,000. Offers are commensurate with experience, and bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three scheduled weeks of paid time off each year (Spring, Summer, Winter) and additional flexible paid leave that accrues based on tenure.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Supplemental insurance options.
• 401(k) with match.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility, as Brightpoint is an approved agency.

Schedule

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