Lead Teacher (Early Childhood 0-3)

Brightpoint • Chicago, IL

7d • $45,000 - $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

El Hogar del Niño, now part of Brightpoint, provides early childhood care and education services with a focus on the needs of Latinx and newly arriving families in the Pilsen community. The Lead Teacher implements Head Start standards for children ages 0–3 and their families, ensuring services are individualized to meet children’s social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs. The position is based in a classroom setting at El Hogar del Niño. The center is accredited by COA and NAEYC and has an ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation.

The role is full-time and salaried. The center is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; assigned shifts vary. The salary range is $45,000–$55,000, with offers based on experience and possible additional compensation for bilingual candidates. Brightpoint 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 classes.
• 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 without the required degree or credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized learning that meets the social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs of 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 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 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 to make 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 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 assigned documentation to the supervisor.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three scheduled weeks of paid time off each year, during spring, summer, and winter.
• Additional flexible paid leave that accrues based on tenure.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Supplemental insurance options.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility through Brightpoint’s status as an approved agency.

What This Job Offers

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