Teacher (0-3)

Chicago Youth Centers; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Early Head Start Teacher to provide enriching learning experiences for toddlers aged 0-3. This role involves creating a nurturing environment that fosters children's social and emotional growth while implementing a creative curriculum. You'll engage with families through home visits and parent conferences, ensuring a strong partnership in their children's development. Join a passionate team committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families in the community. If you're enthusiastic about early childhood education and ready to inspire young minds, this opportunity is for you!

Qualifications

• Degree in Early Childhood Education with infant toddler courses required.
• 1 year of EHS classroom experience in accredited settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for toddlers.
• Conduct home visits and parent conferences to discuss children's development.
• Maintain a positive classroom climate and ensure children's safety.

Skills

Child Observation

Communication Skills

Fluency in English

Fluency in Spanish

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Positive Climate Facilitation

Education

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Infant/Toddler CDA

Level 2 ECE/IT Gateways Credential

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

Do you want a career that impacts the community? Do you have a desire to work somewhere that changes children’s lives?

Join Chicago Youth Centers as we serve over 3,000 children and families each year!

Title: Teacher (0-3)

Company: Chicago Youth Centers (CYC)

Website: chicagoyouthcenters.org

Compensation: $40,000 - $52,000

Classification: Full Time; Exempt

Reports to: Childcare Director

Supervisor Responsibilities: No

Location: CYC Calumet Heights Center at 9207 S. Phillips Ave (Chicago, IL)

Schedule: 8:30a - 5:00p; Monday - Friday; schedule varies depending on program needs

The Early Head Start Teacher (0-3) is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervision of children assigned in the classroom, providing a supportive and positive classroom climate, implementing the Gold Assessment and creative curriculum, administering developmental screenings, conducting home visits and parent conferences, and referring children with disabilities for children ages 15 months-3 years old. Participate and attend family engagement activities and parent meetings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a positive climate, responsive caregiving and continuity to help children develop secure relationships while focusing on the children’s social and emotional well-being.
• Work with assigned group of toddlers and two’s, applying best practices for care and physical safety.
• Facilitate and nurture the development of each child’s self-esteem, trust and growing autonomy.
• Complete developmental and social-emotional screenings on children.
• Develop weekly lesson plans inclusive of individualization for children.
• Refer children with special needs to the Family Service Associate and Inclusion Manager.
• Integrate and assist children with special needs utilizing child IFSP.
• Partner with families and encourage parent involvement through a variety of methods (e.g. classroom parent meetings & events and parent/child home activities).
• Obtain families’ social-cultural background information and design meaningful learning experiences for children based on their findings.
• Schedule and conduct at least two Home Visits and two Parent/Teacher Conferences annually for each child, each program year to discuss with parents regarding their children’s development and behavior.
• Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire classroom; and ensure routines such as diapering, toileting/training, hand washing, meals are handled promptly and consistently with state and local regulations.
• Follow a consistent schedule that meets the individual needs of each child, including skill development, meals, napping and effective transition between activities.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to children’s different and personal needs (verbal and non-verbal cues) and temperament styles.
• Engage and guide children at play, meeting them at their physical level (kneeling, bending, or sitting on the floor).
• Complete at least thirty clock hours of professional development annually, through participation in offered trainings, workshops, in-service days, all staff conferences; and maintain log of professional development achievements, including documents supporting completion.
• Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance and retention of eligible families.
• Other duties as assigned to fulfill the mission of the program and agency needs.

Willing to embrace and demonstrate CYC’s Mantras:

• ATTITUDE MATTERS - Positivity begins with me. My attitude has the power to influence my environment and inspire those around me. I aim to be enthusiastic, optimistic, and kind—even when things get hard.
• CARE FOR REAL - I will take every opportunity to show that I truly care. I commit to serving children and families, my co-workers and my community. I will think, care and act in a respectful manner to uplift and support others.
• OWN IT - I will never say, “That’s not my job.” When I see something that needs to be done, I will assign myself and do it. I will make a commitment to carry out my job responsibilities and assignments with consistency, dependability, and respect.
• PUSH FORWARD - I will be determined and progressive in thought and action. I will press on when problems arise and find innovative ways to solve issues. I will continuously learn and be open to the ideas of others.

EOE/MVF

Requirements

• Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education w/2 Infant Toddler Courses
• Infant/Toddler CDA or 120 credit hours in Infant Toddler (if there is no Bachelor or AA degree)
• Must possess at a minimum level 2 ECE/ IT Gateways Credential
• By 2024, obtain Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential Level 5

Additional Experience

• 1 year of EHS classroom experience in a NAEYC accredited or Head Start classroom
• Fluency in English and Spanish languages
• Experience in implementation of early childhood curriculum (Creative Curriculum) and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group
• Experience in child observation, assessment and documenting child’s skills, growth and development.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• CPR/ First Aid certified