Parent Child Educator

Catholiccharitiesjoliet; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet seeks a Parent Child Educator for its Head Start program. The role involves supporting the growth of infants and toddlers, planning home visits, and ensuring compliance with Head Start standards. Great benefits include paid time off, medical insurance, and a retirement plan.

Benefits

403B Retirement Plan with employer contributions

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in early childhood or working with low-income families.
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, and Infant/Toddler Development required.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks including home visits.

Responsibilities

• Provide for the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of infants and toddlers.
• Develop individualized programs with parents and conduct home visits.
• Educate families about community resources and participate in recruitment.

Skills

Communication

Planning

Independence

Education

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

36 semester hours in early childhood coursework

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.

Apply now so we can make a lasting impact together!

General Responsibilities

1. Under the administration and coordination of the Early Head Start Home-Based Supervisor, the Parent Child Educator will provide for the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth and development of infants and toddlers in home-based and center-based socialization settings.
2. The Parent Child Educator will work with parents and families to develop, plan, model, and implement positive early childhood experiences in both settings.
3. Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and NAEYC developmentally appropriate practices for infants and toddlers.
4. Periodic weekend recruitment activities are required, along with attendance at parent meetings and family events.
5. Community-based recruitment throughout the week and some weekends is expected.

Essential Functions

1. Maintain a caseload of twelve (12) infants and toddlers, with all required documentation to support comprehensive services according to Head Start standards.
2. Organize and plan a minimum of forty-six (46) home visits of ninety (90) minutes each per year, and twenty-two (22) socialization opportunities, tailored to developmental levels and family needs.
3. Provide, transport, and serve nutritious snacks or meals during visits and socializations, supporting goals outlined in the Family Partnership Plan.
4. Develop individualized programs with parents, fostering mutual trust and respecting cultural diversity.
5. Assist parents in understanding child development, conducting developmentally appropriate activities, and observing and documenting progress.
6. Conduct training for parents on health and education needs, modeling parenting skills, and providing health and nutrition information and referrals.
7. Educate families about community resources, support goal setting, and coordinate services with community agencies.
8. Participate in the implementation of the IFSP and early intervention programs for children with disabilities.
9. Develop transition plans for each family, assist with transitions into and out of the program, and update as needed.
10. Attend staff meetings, workshops, and trainings; complete coursework to enhance professional skills; serve on committees; participate in community recruitment events, including two Saturday events annually.

Great Employer Provided Benefits

· Time Off: 14 Holidays, 15 Vacation Days, 14 Sick Days

· Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

· Flexible Spending Account

· Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance

· Life and AD&D Insurance

· 403B Retirement Plan with employer contributions

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Requirements

1. Associate’s Degree required; Bachelors or Masters preferred, especially in early childhood education or related fields, from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Documentation of 36 semester hours in early childhood coursework, including infant and toddler courses.
3. At least one (1) year of experience in early childhood or working with low-income families.
4. Certification in First Aid, CPR, and Infant/Toddler Development required and must be maintained.
5. Ability to work independently and handle responsibilities effectively.
6. Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks, including home visits and socializations.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
8. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
9. Must pass background checks, physical, and TB testing.
10. Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance required.