Early Head Start Lead Teacher

Breakthrough; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) plan

FSA plan

Vacation days

Personal days

Sick days

Job summary

Breakthrough is seeking an Early Head Start Lead Teacher in Chicago to oversee day-to-day classroom operations for children aged 24–36 months within the Breakthrough Beginners program. You will collaborate with staff and the Breakthrough Beginners Director to deliver high-quality early childhood education in a nurturing setting, adhering to licensing and funder requirements.

You will plan, implement, and assess developmentally appropriate activities, maintain child growth records, and engage

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in early childhood education or CDA credential
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education with 6+ credit hours in Infants/Toddlers required
• One year of direct early childhood classroom experience or related experience

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with DCFS, City of Chicago, DFSS and Head Start standards
• Collaborate with teaching team to provide inclusive, diverse classroom environment
• Plan developmentally appropriate activities addressing assessed needs
• Document growth via observations and assessments
• Support family engagement and parent involvement in committees and events

Skills

Experience with lesson planning

Culturally responsive teaching

Multicultural programming

Excellent interpersonal communication

Background check clearance

Lift up to 50 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

CDA credential

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education + infants/toddlers credits

Tools

Teaching Strategies platform

Job description

Job Title: Early Head Start Lead Teacher

Reports to: Breakthrough Beginners Director

FLSA Code: Full time, Exempt with benefits

Hours: 40-hour workweek

Program Area: Breakthrough Beginners, Breakthrough Youth Network (BYN)

Location: FamilyPlex, 3219 W. Carroll, Chicago, IL 60624

POSITION SUMMARY

The Early Head Start Lead Teacher works in the BYN-Breakthrough Beginners and is primarily responsible to work with the staff and Director to plan and lead the day-to-day operations of a classroom for children 24–36 months.

The Early Head Start Teacher at Breakthrough is responsible for delivering comprehensive early childhood education services to children in a safe, nurturing environment. In this position, teachers are expected to collaborate effectively with their teaching team to provide a seamless educational experience for children. This position is responsible for planning and implementing structured educational activities based on program curriculum. At all times, teachers must ensure adherence with licensing standards and funder requirements.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate knowledge and act in compliance with DCFS, City of Chicago, DFSS and Head Start regulations and standards
• Understands and adheres to CLASS, ITERS, Teaching Strategies, Creative Curriculum and other classroom tools
• Collaborate with teaching team to provide a classroom environment that is reflective of diverse races, cultures, and languages; adapts teaching in response to children’s differences
• Complete meal preparation sheets, child development files, anecdotal and developmental observations of each child, maintaining confidentiality of family records and information
• Collaboratively plans developmentally appropriate activities for small/large groups that address the needs identified in assessments. Activities must promote multiculturalism and aid in the development of critical-thinking skill
• Document children’s growth and development using written observations, photography and assessment tools
• Conduct, document and follow-up on daily child health checks
• Actively supervise and interact with all students in their care at all times
• Enjoy family-style mealtimes with students and encourages them to serve themselves and feed themselves independently
• Change diapers and pull-ups, as needed, and assist students in toileting
• Develop and build positive relationships with parents/guardians by greeting them and communicating with them, as well as providing experiences that enhance their roles as their child’s primary influence in growth and development
• Encourage parents to become involved in the classroom, as well as the Parent Committee and Policy Committee
• Participate in annual parent orientation/open house at least twice per year
• Utilize the assistance of the Family Support Staff, Mental Health Consultant and other professionals to assist and refer parents to community resources
• Conduct and participate in home visits twice per year at the designated time
• Participate in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends
• Participate in supervision meetings and workshops within the center and outside (if applicable)
• Participate in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of Breakthrough
• Assist center personnel in planning special events and other enrichment activities
• Attends and engages in professional development opportunities, such as staff meetings, in-service trainings, and conferences. Participates in at least 20 hours of professional development annually
• Performing other duties as assigned

Demonstrated Values

• Independently follows agency policy and procedures
• Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines
• Identifies and resolves difficult issues
• Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming
• Promote customer care through all actions and behaviors
• Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served
• Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.
• A passion for the mission of Breakthrough

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education preferred OR Child Development Associate CDA credential) OR Associate degree in Early Childhood Education with at least 6 credit hours in Infants/Toddlers required
• One (1) year previous direct early childhood classroom experience OR 1-2 years related experience
• One- two years (1-2 years) of experience with Lesson planning and/or proficiency with the Teaching Strategies platform.
• Experience with culturally responsive teaching.
• Experience with multi-cultural programming.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organization skills
• Ability to pass a criminal record, a physical and child abuse/neglect registry check
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs (average child’s weight)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Interpret and explain policies, procedures, and relevant laws
• Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism and problem-solving skills
• Ability to display a warm, supportive attitude toward all people
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and follow-through and be comfortable working in a changing environment
• Demonstrate a willingness to consistently improve work performance through relationships and guidance
• Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive information
• Ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others

SUPERVISION

• Does not supervise any employees.
• Direction received from the Director, Breakthrough Beginners

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Safety Requirements

Prior to the first day of work, must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance.

Equipment Used

The employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to telephone, computer, calculator, copier, overhead projector, paper shredder, paper cutter, and filing systems.

BENEFITS

• Medical -We offer group medical benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO plans. Depending on the plan you choose, there may be no cost for an employee single coverage. There is a cost per pay period for coverage for family (i.e., employee plus spouse; employee plus child(ren) or employee plus spouse and child(ren).
• Dental-We offer group dental benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO. This is an employee paid benefit.
• Vision - We offer group vision benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. This is an employee paid benefit.
• Life-Through UnitedHealthcare, we offer full-time employees term life insurance to the employee’s family in case of death. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
• Short and long-term disability -If you become disabled, UnitedHealthcare provides both short-term and long-term disability insurance to full-time employees. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
• 401 (k) Plan -We offer a 401(k) plan which is a tax-deferred annuity to assist full-time employees in planning for retirement. We match 50% of your contribution up to a total of 3% of your base salary.
• Section 125 Plan (FSA)-Through TASC, we allow full-time employees to make contributions toward premiums for medical insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, dependent care expenses, and/or transit and parking on a “before tax” rather than an “after tax” basis.
• Vacation Days -Full-time employees in this position are eligible to accrue vacation days at a rate of 6.67 – 13.33 days per month based on tenure with the organization.
• Personal Days -Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 3 personal days annually, pro-rated in year one.
• Sick Days -Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 10 sick days annually, pro-rated in year one.

COMPENSATION

The actual salary within the range is determined by many factors including but not limited to skills, experience, education and internal equity.

$43,000-$46,000/annually

Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact us at [e-mail]. The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.