Teacher (Infant-Toddler)

SE Asiacenter; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits 65%

PTO or double if unused

Tuition reimbursement & professional

Job summary

South-East Asia Center in Chicago is seeking an enthusiastic Infant/Toddler Teacher to join our team. You will plan engaging activities, support safe, caring environments, and communicate with families daily.

The role requires a degree in ECE or related field, or substantial coursework, and experience with infants/toddlers is preferred. Strong teamwork and cross-cultural sensitivity are essential.

Qualifications

• BA in ECE or Child Development, or 30 semester hours in ECE/Infant-Toddler studies
• MA in Education or related field is a plus
• At least 6 months of professional caregiving/teaching experience with infants and toddlers preferred
• Experience with infants and toddlers in a childcare/educational setting preferred
• Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education
• Effective communication and teamwork
• Knowledge of state licensing regulations for ECE centers

Responsibilities

• Provide nurturing, safe, and consistent caregiving using a primary caregiving model
• Ensure physical safety from arrival to departure; verify each child departs with parent/caregiver
• Interact with children in a respectful, encouraging manner to support development
• Greet children and families warmly with cross-cultural sensitivity each morning
• Perform daily visual/physical assessments for illness or injury
• Attend to hygiene needs during routines
• Change diapers and document multiple times daily
• Organize and store toys/materials
• Assist in food preparation and serving per USDA guidelines
• Ensure rest periods and help toddlers transition to nap time
• Document routines on Care Sheets and Parent Logs
• Maintain attendance and meal count records
• Safeguard confidentiality of children's information
• Assist in planning/developing lesson plans with lead teacher
• Observe/document development and create learning plans with lead teacher
• Report concerns to IT Director/ staff
• Foster a positive, calm environment as a role model
• Prepare learning environments that encourage exploration
• Collaborate to implement a curriculum aligned with Teaching Strategies GOLD
• Participate in home visits and parent conferences
• Assist in developmental screenings and TS GOLD data entry
• Maintain organized progress documentation
• Cooperate with Family Specialists on health plans
• Attend staff and family meetings

Skills

Experience with infants and toddlers

Passion for early childhood developl

Loving, patient, caring, creative and

Strong communication skills

Cross-Cultural communication

Education

BA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development

MA in Education or related field is a plus

6 months+ caregiving/teaching experience with infants/toddlers

Tools

Teaching Strategies GOLD curriculum

QRS

ITERS

ASQ screening tools

Job description

Infant & Toddler Teacher

Are you passionate about early childhood education and love working with infants and toddlers? We want YOU to make a difference!

Position: Infant/Toddler Teacher Location: South-East Asia Center, 4915 N. Broadway Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645 Start Date: Immediate Hiring Hours: Full-Time

Why Choose Us?

• Supportive Team – Work with educators who value teamwork and collaboration.
• Hands-on Learning – Create a nurturing, interactive environment for young minds.
• Growth Opportunities – Receive professional development and training to advance your career.
• Impactful Work – Be a key figure in shaping the future of young learners!

What We're Looking For:

• Experience with infants and toddlers (preferred but not required)
• Passion for early childhood development
• A loving, patient, caring, creative and enthusiastic approach to teaching
• Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development (Master's degree a plus!)

What You'll Do:

• Plan and implement engaging learning activities
• Foster safe, supportive environments for young children
• Communicate regularly with parents and team members
• Encourage social, emotional, and cognitive development

Perks:

• Salary: $21 - $28/hr + Bonus & Overtime
• Health Benefits: 65% employer coverage
• Generous PTO or Double if Unused
• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development
• Retirement Savings Plan

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply Today!

Email: [e-mail] Phone: [phone]

Qualifications for Infant/Toddler Teacher

• BA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development, or at least 30 semester hours in ECE or Infant-Toddler studies.
• MA in Education or related field is a plus.
• At least 6 months of professional caregiving/teaching experience with infants and toddlers preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with infants and toddlers in a childcare or educational setting.
• Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Knowledge of state licensing regulations and requirements for early childhood education centers.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Provide nurturing, safe, and consistent caregiving using a primary caregiving model.
• Ensure physical safety of children from arrival to departure; confirm each child departs with a parent or approved caregiver.
• Interact with children in a respectful, encouraging manner, supporting their skill development and autonomy.
• Greet children and families warmly, with cross-cultural sensitivity, each morning.
• Perform daily visual and physical assessments of each child for illness or injury.
• Attend to children's personal hygiene needs during routines (feeding, diapering, toileting, etc.).
• Change diapers and document at least three times daily before meals. Additional changes may be required after 5:00 PM.
• Organize and store toys and materials for safety and appropriate child interactions.
• Refrigerate bottles and milk promptly; perform housekeeping duties (sanitizing, laundry, etc.) as needed.
• Assist in food preparation and serving according to USDA guidelines.
• Ensure children receive rest periods; assist toddlers in transitioning to nap time.
• Document daily routines (feeding, diapering, sleep) on Care Sheets and Parent Communication Logs.
• Maintain accurate attendance and meal count records.
• Safeguard confidentiality of children's information and family communications.
• Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Observe and document children's development; work with the lead teacher to create learning plans.
• Report signs of illness, injury, or developmental concerns to the IT Director or appropriate staff.
• Foster a positive, calm environment with a soothing demeanor as a model for children and parents.
• Prepare learning environments that encourage exploration and creativity.
• Collaborate with the lead teacher to implement a curriculum aligned with Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Participate in home visits and parent conferences to develop educational and family goals.
• Assist in administering developmental screenings and entering data into the TS GOLD database.
• Maintain organized documentation of children's progress in Education Binders.
• Cooperate with Family Specialists to implement individualized health plans and ensure smooth transitions.
• Attend staff and family meetings as required.

Required Knowledge:

• Principles of high-quality infant-toddler care, including ITERS assessment and Illinois Birth to Three Standards.
• Familiarity with infant-toddler behavior and learning styles.
• Experience using Teaching Strategies GOLD curriculum, QRS, ITERS, and Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) screening tools a plus.

Abilities Required:

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Ability to effectively engage with LEP parents, with bilingual skills (Cantonese or Vietnamese) preferred.
• Oral & Written Comprehension: Ability to understand and communicate complex information clearly in English.
• Problem Sensitivity: Detect issues and report them promptly to the appropriate staff.
• Oral Expression: Clear speech to model proper language and facilitate communication with children and parents.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks while providing care for children.
• Physical Requirements: Perform physical activities including lifting up to 30 pounds, bending, stooping, crawling, and handling soiled materials. Agility in responding to children's physical needs, including falls or unsafe behaviors. Ability to move classroom furniture and materials as needed.
• Confidentiality: Respect family privacy; share information only with authorized staff as per written consent.

Physical Requirements:

Perform physical activities including lifting up to 30 pounds, bending, stooping, crawling, and handling soiled materials. Agility in responding to children's physical needs, including falls or unsafe behaviors. Ability to move classroom furniture and materials as needed.

Confidentiality:

Respect family privacy; share information only with authorized staff as per written consent.

EOE# # #South-East Asia Center has been serving the Uptown, Chicago neighborhood for over 40 years. We have a diverse student and staff population, with at least 31 languages spoken. We provide services to families with children ranging from 6 weeks old to school age (up to 12 years old). We are a private, non-profit organization, DCFS licensed, and a DFSS grantee, with cutting-edge, bridge-building, cross-cultural approaches to teaching and learning that align with DFSS's Creative Curriculum and Early Learning Frameworks.