Lead Early Head Start 0-3 Teacher

Mary Crane Center • Chicago, IL

5h

About The Position

Inspire Learning. Empower Families. Shape Futures.

Are you passionate about early childhood education and committed to helping young children thrive? At Mary Crane Center, we’re looking for dedicated professionals like you to join our Head Start team as a Lead Teacher. New hires are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus (terms apply).

As a Lead Teacher, you’ll guide children’s growth by creating a safe, nurturing classroom environment where curiosity, discovery, and development are encouraged every day. You’ll also build strong partnerships with families and support a collaborative teaching team—making a difference from the very first day of school.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
• AND Gateways to Opportunity Level 5 ECE and Infant/Toddler Credential
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Team-oriented mindset with flexibility and initiative
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills
• Comfortable using technology for documentation and communication
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and engage in physical activity such as bending, kneeling, and reaching
• Comfortable in a high-energy, child-centered environment with moderate to high noise levels
• Travel between agency sites for meetings, home visits, or classroom support as needed

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons using Head Start, NAEYC, and Creative Curriculum standards
• Promote positive behavior through effective guidance techniques and modeling
• Supervise and interact with children to support their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
• Incorporate family-style dining and healthy routines into the classroom experience
• Ensure safety and compliance at all times, including appropriate child supervision and mandated reporting
• Conduct assessments using tools like Creative Curriculum Checklists, ESI-R, and Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ and ASQ-SE)
• Maintain anecdotal records, portfolios, and documentation panels for each child
• Complete and organize paperwork including attendance, meal counts, incident reports, and education folders
• Plan and lead transition activities and family reviews
• Schedule and conduct regular parent-teacher conferences and home visits
• Serve as a parent advocate and build trusting, supportive relationships
• Communicate classroom expectations, routines, field trips, and program updates
• Facilitate parent signatures and documentation as required
• Supervise assistant teachers, aides, and volunteers; provide feedback, delegate tasks, and contribute to performance evaluations
• Coordinate lesson planning, field trips, and classroom events with the Education Coordinator
• Participate in team meetings, center planning, parent policy meetings, and agency committees
• Collaborate with Site Directors, specialists, and other staff to ensure program quality and compliance
• Create a clean, safe, and organized learning space
• Sanitize toys, surfaces, and equipment routinely
• Maintain classroom supply inventory and equipment safety

Benefits

• Mary Crane Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to medical, dental, and vision insurance (HMO, PPO, and DPPO options available), paid time off, and other employee wellness programs.
• Eligibility varies based on position and hours worked. Additional benefit details will be shared during the hiring process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees