Lead Teacher (Early Childhood 3-5)

Brightpoint•Schaumburg, IL

8d•$57,000 - $59,000•Onsite

About The Position

Brightpoint is seeking a Lead Teacher to implement Head Start standards for children ages 3–5 and their families. The role provides individualized services that address students’ social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs. The position is based in the classroom at the Marletta Darnall Schaumburg Child & Family Center, an early childhood education center with COA and NAEYC accreditation and an ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation. The center describes its team approach as cohesive and its supervision as supportive and high-quality. The Lead Teacher develops and implements classroom learning and curriculum, monitors children’s development, maintains required records, and coordinates with families and staff. The role also mentors classroom personnel and supports their performance management. Brightpoint offers leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship through its Emerging Leaders program. The position is full-time and salaried; assigned shifts vary within the center’s Monday–Friday operating hours of 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with a minimum of 24 hours of Early Childhood Education coursework.
Illinois Professional Educators License (PEL), or ability to obtain it within 24 months of employment.
Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 5 Credential.
At least two years of experience working with children and/or families.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability may qualify candidates for additional compensation.
Candidates without the required degree or credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement individualized learning that meets the social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs of all children in the classroom.
Maintain knowledge of the Center’s philosophy and classroom operations, including Head Start program performance standards, ISBE requirements, and applicable NAEYC requirements.
Implement classroom curriculum that supports high-quality teaching and learning, reflects mandated elements and components as well as parental and cultural influences, and promotes children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Conduct developmental screenings and regular assessments, and use the information for lesson planning.
Enter required child information, including assessment results, into the data management system.
Identify children who may need additional assistance and work with a supervisor to make appropriate referrals.
Complete weekly child observations and enter them into the organization’s assessment tool; ensure classroom staff complete observations and assist them as needed.
Meet weekly with classroom and other staff as required to review lesson plans, share teaching strategies, and discuss children’s progress.
Mentor and train Teachers, Classroom Support Aides, student interns, and volunteers assigned to the classroom in basic child development and classroom techniques.
Assist the supervisor with annual performance reviews and other performance management activities for classroom staff.
Lead the integration of supplemental learning initiatives for parents and children into the classroom, and plan and implement regular activities that connect home and classroom learning.
Complete and submit required monthly reports, monitoring reports, and other assigned documentation to the supervisor.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Three scheduled weeks of paid time off each year (Spring, Summer, and Winter)
Additional flexible paid leave that accrues based on tenure
11 paid holidays
Supplemental insurance options
401(k) with employer match
Leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship through the Emerging Leaders program
Access to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through Brightpoint’s status as an approved agency