Lead Teacher (Early Childhood 0-3 or 3-5)

Brightpoint • Carpentersville, IL

4d • $54,000 - $59,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Brightpoint is seeking a Lead Teacher for children ages 0–3 or 3–5 at the Brightpoint Child & Family Center in Carpentersville. The role implements Head Start standards and provides individualized services that meet children’s social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs. The center is accredited by COA and NAEYC and has an ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation.

The Lead Teacher develops and implements learning experiences, conducts screenings and assessments, tracks children’s progress, supports classroom staff, and connects learning between home and the classroom. The position is full-time and salaried, with assigned shifts that vary. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Requirements

• For the 0–3 role: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with at least 24 hours of Early Childhood Education classes.
• For the 0–3 role: Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 5 Credential and Infant Toddler Level 5 Credential.
• For the 3–5 role: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with at least 24 hours of Early Childhood Education classes.
• For the 3–5 role: Illinois Professional Educators License (PEL), required or to be obtained within 24 months of employment, and Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 5 Credential.
• At least two years of experience working with children and/or families.
• Candidates without the required degree or credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized learning that meets each child’s social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs.
• Maintain knowledge of center philosophy and classroom operations, including Head Start program performance standards, ISBE requirements, and applicable NAEYC requirements.
• Implement classroom curriculum that reflects mandated elements and components as well as parental and cultural influences, and supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Conduct developmental screenings and regular assessments, and use the results 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 the supervisor on 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 assigned Teachers, Classroom Support Aides, student interns, and volunteers in basic child development and classroom techniques.
• Assist the supervisor with annual performance reviews and other performance management activities for classroom staff.
• Lead 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), plus additional flexible paid leave accruing based on tenure.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Supplemental insurance options.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-approved agency.

What This Job Offers

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