Lead Teacher (Early Childhood 3-5)

Brightpoint • Chicago, IL

4d • $55,000 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Brightpoint is seeking a Lead Teacher for children ages 3–5 at the Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child & Family Center. The role implements Head Start standards and provides individualized services that address children’s social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs. The center has COA and NAEYC accreditation and an ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation.

The Lead Teacher develops and implements classroom learning and curriculum, conducts screenings and assessments, documents children’s progress, and collaborates with classroom staff and supervisors. The role also mentors and trains classroom staff, interns, and volunteers, supports staff performance management, and connects parents’ learning activities at home with classroom learning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with at least 24 hours of Early Childhood Education classes.
• 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 in Spanish.
• 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 NAEYC requirements when applicable.
• 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 classroom volunteers 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 connecting home and classroom learning.
• Complete and submit required monthly reports, monitoring reports, and other assigned documentation to the supervisor.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and 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 match.
• Leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship through Emerging Leaders.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through Brightpoint’s approved-agency status.

What This Job Offers

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