Teacher - Early Childhood

Applitrack; Winnetka (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The EC Teacher at TrueNorth Early Childhood Program delivers developmentally appropriate instruction to preschoolers with and without disabilities, including autism. You will design differentiated lessons, support behavior, and create inclusive learning experiences aligned to IEP goals.

Collaborating with families, classroom teams, and related service providers, you will foster safe, engaging environments and contribute to transdisciplinary planning to meet diverse developmental needs.

Qualifications

• PEL with LBS I and Early Childhood endorsement
• Experience with preschoolers with and without disabilities including autism
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and evidence-based instructional strategies
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Ability to travel between sites as needed

Responsibilities

• Design and implement specially designed instruction to meet diverse learning needs and IEP goals.
• Create and maintain a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
• Design instruction that maximizes active engagement and frequent student responses.
• Utilize errorless learning techniques and evidence-based instructional strategies.
• Develop individualized educational activities aligned to IEP goals.
• Support developmentally appropriate practices and use of instructional technology and AAC.

Skills

IEP instruction design

Evidence-based strategies

Behavior management

Collaborative planning

Documentation (IEP records)

Technology for data collection

Education

PEL with LBS I & EC endorsement

Job description

Reports to: Director of Programs and Services
Employment Group: Faculty – TRS
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Year: 10 Months

Position Summary

The Early Childhood (EC) Teacher supports the TrueNorth mission and is committed to the possibilities in every learner, every day. This educator provides developmentally appropriate, research-based instruction to preschool‑aged children with and without disabilities, including students with moderate‑to‑severe disabilities, autism, at‑risk learners, and English language learners. The EC Teacher designs and implements differentiated instruction, behavior supports, and inclusive learning experiences aligned to the goals of the TrueNorth Early Childhood Program.

The EC Teacher collaborates with families, classroom teams, related service providers, and community partners to promote student growth across academic, social‑emotional, communication, and functional domains. This educator serves as a member of a transdisciplinary team, supports individualized programming, and ensures that each child’s learning environment is safe, engaging, and responsive to their developmental needs.

Qualifications

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS I and Early Childhood endorsement
• Recent experience working with preschool‑aged children with and without disabilities, including students with moderate‑to‑severe disabilities and/or autism
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, early childhood curriculum, and evidence‑based instructional strategies
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Ability to travel between sites as needed

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of early childhood development, curriculum, and developmentally appropriate practice
• Knowledge of instructional and behavioral strategies for students with disabilities, including autism and multiple disabilities
• Knowledge of early childhood curricula and assessment systems
• Knowledge of disability categories and their impact on learning, behavior, and development
• Knowledge of legal and ethical requirements governing early childhood special education

Skills

• Skill in designing and delivering specially designed instruction aligned to IEP goals and developmental needs
• Skill in implementing evidence‑based instructional and behavioral strategies
• Skill in designing and implementing behavior management strategies across environments
• Skill in facilitating collaborative team problem‑solving and supporting transdisciplinary planning
• Skill in maintaining accurate documentation, including IEP records and student portfolios
• Skill in using technology to collect data, communicate, and support instruction

Abilities

• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, colleagues, and community partners
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both oral and written formats
• Ability to facilitate collaborative team problem solving
• Ability to create and maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning
• Ability to supervise and support teaching assistants in implementing instructional and behavioral strategies
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and adapt to varied student needs
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and model ethical practice

The following statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned that are reasonably related to the position.

• Design and implement specially designed instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including students with disabilities, at‑risk learners, English language learners, and typically developing preschoolers
• Create and maintain a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning
• Design and implement instruction that maximizes active engagement and provides frequent opportunities to respond
• Utilize errorless learning techniques and other evidence‑based instructional strategies
• Develop individualized educational activities aligned to IEP goals and short‑term objectives
• Support developmentally appropriate practices and evidence‑based methods in the area of instructional technology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Behavioral & Developmental Support

• Design and implement behavior management strategies across environments
• Utilize a variety of instructional and behavioral strategies to support student regulation and engagement
• Provide direction to educational teams on evidence based instructional approaches for students with moderate‑to‑severe disabilities and autism (e.g., TEACCH, Discrete Trial, Verbal Behavior)
• Demonstrate familiarity with student history through review of records and assessments
• Maintain open communication with parents to support understanding of the educational program and student progress
• Collaborate with colleagues, related service providers, and community partners to plan and implement effective student programming
• Provide coaching and support to community‑based preschool staff by modeling a variety of evidence‑based and developmentally appropriate instructional and behavioral strategies to meet the needs of all students
• Serve as a cooperative member of the transdisciplinary team
• Attend scheduled meetings, including professional development, multidisciplinary conferences, and building‑level meetings
• Serve on committees as needed to support program initiatives

Professional Responsibilities & Supervision

• Maintain accurate records as required by the TrueNorth Early Childhood Program, including Embrace IEP documentation and Teaching Strategies GOLD portfolios
• Supervise and plan for the activities of assigned teaching assistants, providing direction and support
• Maintain a safe learning environment and ensure student safety at all times
• Participate in professional development to remain current with research, trends, and best practices

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and engage in physical activity with young children
• Must be willing and able to complete Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention training and employ these skills as necessary
• Occasionally required to lift, move, or carry materials or equipment up to 50 pounds
• Occasional stooping, bending, and reaching
• Requires sufficient vision, hearing, and communication abilities to perform essential job functions
• Work is performed in preschool classrooms, hallways, outdoor play areas, and community environments
• May involve exposure to students with diverse learning, behavioral, medical, and physical needs
• Requires flexibility in adapting to varied instructional environments and schedules
• Noise levels vary and may be moderate to high depending on student activity and environment
• Must work indoors and outdoors year‑round