Lead Teacher (Early Childhood 0-3)

Brightpoint • Palatine, IL

7d • $57,000 - $59,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Brightpoint is hiring a Lead Teacher for children ages 0–3 at the Community Child Care Center of Palatine Township. The role implements Head Start standards and provides individualized services that support 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 classroom learning and curriculum, conducts developmental screenings and assessments, and uses assessment information to plan lessons. The role also supports family engagement, mentors classroom staff and volunteers, and completes required documentation and reports. This is a full-time, salaried position in a classroom setting. Assigned shifts vary; the center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with at least 24 hours of Early Childhood Education classes; candidates without the required degree or credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish is preferred.
• Bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized learning that meets children’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 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 a supervisor on appropriate referrals.
• Complete weekly child observations, enter them into the organization’s assessment tool, ensure classroom staff complete observations, and assist staff 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 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).
• 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 for Emerging Leaders.
• Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

What This Job Offers

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