Infant Toddler Specialist

IT TAKES A VILLAGE FAMILY OF SCHOOLS • Chicago, IL

9d • $57,500 - $73,158 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Infant Toddler Specialist to support instructional quality, compliance, and child development outcomes across our infant and toddler classrooms. This role serves as a coach, mentor, and content expert for teaching staff while ensuring classrooms maintain high-quality learning environments aligned with licensing, funding, and program standards. The Infant Toddler Specialist plays a critical leadership role in supporting teachers, strengthening family partnerships, and promoting developmentally appropriate practices for infants, toddlers, and twos programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Gateways Infant Toddler Credential Level 5
• Minimum 2 years of early childhood experience
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit on the floor for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to actively supervise and engage with children indoors and outdoors
• Ability to respond quickly to children’s needs and emergency situations
• Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness of children at all times
• Ability to meet all health and safety requirements in accordance with DCFS Licensing Standards and ITAV policies

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Level I Director Credential
• Experience with Head Start, CACFP, and NAEYC Accreditation
• Strong knowledge of IL DCFS Licensing Standards

Responsibilities

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and technical assistance to infant and toddler teaching staff
• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide actionable feedback to educators
• Lead monthly meetings with teaching staff to review lesson planning, classroom environment, child development, and professional growth
• Support teachers in implementing individualized instruction and developmentally appropriate practices
• Ensure implementation and compliance with approved infant/toddler curricula and assessment tools
• Review lesson plans regularly to ensure alignment with developmental goals and individualized learning needs
• Support implementation of IFSP goals and individualized learning strategies
• Train staff on Teaching Strategies Gold, ASQ, ASQ-SE, and other assessment tools
• Monitor developmental screenings, assessments, and checkpoints to ensure completion and accuracy
• Coordinate and facilitate professional development opportunities for infant/toddler staff
• Support staff in maintaining Gateways Registry compliance and professional development documentation
• Develop and implement onsite trainings to strengthen instructional practices
• Stay informed on current infant/toddler research, best practices, and licensing standards
• Ensure classrooms maintain compliance with DCFS Licensing Standards, program requirements, and health and safety expectations
• Observe classroom environments to ensure safety, cleanliness, and appropriate sanitation practices
• Support maintenance of classroom binders and required documentation
• Assist with classroom ratios and coverage as needed
• Foster collaboration between families, teachers, and support staff
• Support parent-teacher conferences, family engagement events, and family meetings
• Provide families with information and feedback related to child development and classroom progress
• Participate in family support meetings and community engagement initiatives
• Support completion of program quality assessments, including ITERS and other monitoring tools
• Assist with implementation of site-wide improvement and professional development plans
• Support the Site Director with staffing, classroom operations, and continuity of care planning
• Submit required reports and maintain accurate program documentation
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support site and organizational needs

Benefits

• Up to 80% employer-paid medical coverage
• Full benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability
• 3% 401(k) employer match
• Up to $10,000 annually in tuition assistance
• 16 PTO days per year
• 9 sick/personal days per year
• Compensatory time eligible
• 15 paid holidays annually
• Clear pathways for career advancement and leadership opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level