Lead Teacher (Early Childhood 3-5)

Brightpoint•Palatine, IL

8d•$57,000 - $59,000•Onsite

About The Position

Brightpoint is seeking a Lead Teacher for children ages 3–5 at the Community Child Care Center of Palatine Township. The role implements Head Start standards and provides individualized services that meet students’ social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs. The center has COA and NAEYC accreditations and an ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation. The position works in a classroom setting, is full-time and salaried, and assigned shifts vary while the center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Lead Teacher develops and implements individualized learning and classroom curriculum, conducts developmental screenings and assessments, and uses results to guide lesson planning. The role also supports families’ connections between home and classroom learning, mentors classroom staff and volunteers, collaborates with colleagues on children’s progress, and maintains required records and reports. Brightpoint offers leadership development and one-on-one mentorship opportunities. The role’s salary range is $57,000–$59,000, with offers commensurate with experience; bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation.

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

Ability to drive and access to a personal vehicle.
Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish; bilingual candidates may receive 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 Center 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 require 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 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 match
Leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility through Brightpoint’s status as an approved agency