Parent Child Educator

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays & vacation

Medical/Dental/Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Short-term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Life & AD&D

403B

Employee Assistance

Job summary

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Head Start in Joliet, IL seeks dedicated early childhood professionals to support infants and toddlers in home- and center-based settings. You will plan developmentally appropriate activities and collaborate with families to promote healthy growth.

The role emphasizes compliance with Head Start standards, ongoing parent engagement, and coordination with community resources to help families thrive and build brighter futures for their children.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate’s, Bachelor's or Master’s in early childhood education or related field
• Documentation of 36 semester hours of early childhood coursework, including infant/toddler courses
• Minimum two years of experience in early childhood settings or with low-income families
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, and Infant/Toddler Development preferred
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

• Provide development support across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional areas for infants and toddlers in home-based and center-based settings
• Develop, plan, model, and implement positive early childhood experiences with families
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and NAEYC practices
• Recruit and maintain a caseload of twelve infants and toddlers with weekly home visits and bimonthly socializations
• Plan individualized programs for families, respecting cultural diversity
• Educate parents on child development, health, and nutrition to integrate at home
• Coordinate services with community agencies and follow up on family assessments
• Implement and assist with IFSPs and Early Intervention programs
• Develop transition plans for children entering/exiting the program
• Attend staff meetings, workshops, and recruitment events with confidentiality support
• Perform other duties as assigned within job guidelines

Skills

Early childhood education

Home visits

Family engagement

Cultural competency

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet offers 43 paid days off per year, excellent medical benefits, and an employer-sponsored 403b plan that requires no contribution from employee. We prioritize your well-being and financial security.

Discover the unique rewards of working in a Head Start program, where you can ignite young minds and provide comprehensive early childhood education that sets the stage for lifelong success.

By joining Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Head Start, you will make a lasting impact on children's lives and have the opportunity to support and uplift families by empowering them to thrive and create a brighter future for themselves and their children.

General Responsibilities

1. Provide physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development support for infants and toddlers in home-based and center-based settings.
2. Develop, plan, model, and implement positive early childhood experiences with parents and families.
3. Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and NAEYC practices.
4. Recruit and maintain a caseload of twelve infants and toddlers, conducting weekly home visits and bimonthly socializations.
5. Plan and develop individualized programs for families, fostering trust and respect for cultural diversity.
6. Educate parents on child development, health, and nutrition, integrating these into the home environment.
7. Coordinate services with community agencies and follow up on family assessments.
8. Implement and assist with Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) and Early Intervention programs.
9. Develop transition plans for children entering and exiting the Early Head Start program.
10. Attend staff meetings, workshops, and community recruitment events, maintaining confidentiality and supporting parent governance.
11. Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

Great Employer Provided Benefits

• Time-off: 14 Holidays - 15 Vacation days - 14 Sick days
• Medical/Dental/Vision Health Insurances
• Flexible Spending Account
• Short-term Disability Insurance (employee paid optional)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• 403B Retirement Plan with employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Requirements

1. Associate’s, Bachelor's or Mster's in early childhood education or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Documentation of 36 semester hours of early childhood coursework, including infant and toddler courses.
3. Minimum of two years of experience in an early childhood setting or working with low-income families.
4. Certification and training in First Aid, CPR, and Infant/Toddler Development.
5. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
7. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
8. Passage of background clearance, physical, and TB test.
9. Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of liability insurance.
10. Adhere to the Agency’s Code of Ethics and conduct all responsibilities in accordance with the standards outlined in the Employee Handbook.