Early Childhood Lead Teacher - Evanston / Beth Emet

JCC Chicago; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Early Childhood Lead Teacher to join their dynamic team in Evanston. This role is pivotal in fostering a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners, utilizing a developmentally appropriate curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the safety and welfare of children, leading a dedicated teaching team, and building strong relationships with families. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful impact in children's lives while working in a collaborative and supportive setting. Join us in celebrating curiosity and growth in every child!

Benefits

Free Fitness Membership (individual and family)

Free Apachi Day Camp Sessions

Free Community Engagement Programs

Ongoing professional development

Access to JUF Scholarship funding

Qualifications

• Degree in Early Childhood or related field required.
• Strong communication and classroom management skills needed.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and welfare of children at all times.
• Lead the teaching team in implementing the curriculum.
• Maintain strong communication with families and staff.

Skills

Child Development Knowledge

Classroom Management

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Physical Stamina

Education

Associates or Bachelors degree in Early Childhood

CDA or equivalent

Job description

Early Childhood Lead Teacher - Evanston / Beth Emet

Job Category: JCC Early Childhood

Requisition Number: EARLY004807

Posted: March 21, 2025

Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

Location

JCC Beth Emet Synagogue
1224 Dempster Street
Evanston, IL 60202, USA

Job Summary:

The Lead Teacher is a critical member of a team of educators, social workers and specialists who support the whole child through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that embraces Jewish life and complements what happens at home.

As a Reggio Emilia inspired Early Childhood program, we support the individual needs and abilities of each of our students through an emergent, play-based curriculum. We are looking for professional educators who are interested in growing with us!

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Be responsible for the safety and welfare of the children, supervising all children by sight and sound.
• Lead your teaching team in implementing a program that includes elements of the JCC Chicago’s integrated secular and Jewish curriculum.
• Provide and maintain an atmosphere which is conducive to emotional and cognitive growth.
• Establish and maintain good communication and a strong sense of community with directors, staff, and parents.
• Make families feel welcome by greeting them personally by name and be able to share specific information regarding their child.
• Foster a collaborative, team-focused atmosphere, both in the classroom, teaching site and the agency as a whole.
• Actively participate a minimum of 15 hours in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing development opportunities.
• Lead your teaching team in maintaining DCFS and Illinois state standards.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Can speak to the developmental skills being targeted in learning experiences following discussions with parents, teaching team, and in documentation, including weekly newsletters.
• Maintains education in Early Childhood best practices through professional development, reading, and active communication with directors and social services team.
• Responsible for the written and photo content of all newsletters, portfolios, and mass communications to classroom families.
• Leads regular, and meaningful, communication with families, including, but not limited to, in-person conversations/meetings, virtual meetings, emails, Kaymbu communication, bi-yearly parent-teacher conversations, and portfolios.
• Takes initiative in, and has a global awareness of, all aspects of the teaching position including classroom management, daily tasks, social-emotional needs of children, moving effectively through daily schedule, adjusting to the needs in the classroom.
• Demonstrates awareness of classroom environment, and physically moving through the spaces.
• Responsible for classroom set up and preparation of lesson plans.
• Always maintains respect for children and team.
• Follows and successfully implements guidelines set forth by the Social Services department when raising any concerns about a child’s development or behavior in a classroom setting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Essential Job Duties/Physical Duties:

• Lift/move children up to 40 lbs.
• Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
• Move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.
• Stand for long periods of time and be able to run and actively engage physically with children.
• React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.
• Use hands for grasping classroom equipment and play material.
• Supervise children by sight and sound.
• Diaper children in accordance with DCFS and NAEYC requirements.
• Be in a swimming pool up to one hour, 2 to 3 days per week observing children and participating in swim lessons as needed (at certain JCC sites).

Education Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelors degree or higher in Early Childhood, Child Development, Elementary Education or Early Childhood Special Education.
• OR The equivalency of an Associates degree in Early Childhood, defined by NAEYC as at least 60 college/university credits with at least 30 college credits in Early Childhood, Child Development, Elementary Education or Early Childhood Special Education.
• OR A Bachelors degree in any discipline with at least 36 college/university credits in Early Childhood, Child Development, Elementary Education or Early Childhood Special Education.
• OR A CDA or 30 hours college plus 6 semester hours of ECE.

Other Requirements:

• At least 20 years of age.
• A love for children and a passion for helping them reach their full potential.
• Ability to build relationships with families and coworkers and create a dynamic environment where children’s curiosity is encouraged and celebrated.

Employee Benefits and Discounts:

(Benefits will differ for FT and PT employees, based on hours worked)

FT benefits may include medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, sick, vacation & holiday pay. PT benefits may include sick, vacation & holiday pay.

Other Perks:

• Free Fitness Membership (individual and family)
• Free Apachi Day Camp Sessions
• Free Community Engagement Programs
• Ongoing JCC professional development and access to JUF Scholarship funding available!

JCC Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual preference, gender identity or expression, marital status, apparent or non-apparent disability, veteran’s status, or unfavorable discharge from military service in accordance with state and federal laws.