Lead Teacher (Early Childhood 0-3)

Brightpoint•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Brightpoint seeks a mission-driven Lead Teacher for children ages 0–3 at the Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child & Family Center. The Lead Teacher implements Head Start standards and individualized services that meet children’s social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs. The center has COA and NAEYC accreditation and an ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation. The role is based in a classroom setting and is full-time and salaried; the center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and assigned shifts vary. The salary range is $55,000–$65,000, with offers based on experience. Bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation. Brightpoint also offers leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship through Emerging Leaders, and is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with at least 24 hours of Early Childhood Education coursework.
Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 5 Credential.
Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Level 5 Credential.
At least two years of experience working with children and/or families.
Candidates who do not have 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 the social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs of all children in the classroom.
Maintain knowledge of center 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 and 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 the 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 documentation to the supervisor as assigned.

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 Emerging Leaders.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility through Brightpoint’s approved-agency status.