Early Head Start /PI Lead Teacher

Description We are hiring in Waukegan, IL.

Reporting to the Education Coordinator, you will

• Classroom
• Environment: Create a vibrant classroom environment based on ITERS guidelines and integrate CLASS concepts into daily teacher child interactions and routines, aligning with the IELDS/Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Empower
• Through
• Guidance: Supervise and guide your EHS Teacher, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the educational experience for all. Lead Classroom team meetings.
• Lesson
• Planning: Develop lesson plans using researched-based curriculum with clear goals, objectives, experiences, and outcomes for children, integrating health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent involvement.
• Tailor
• Learning: Use child assessments, screening results and observation data to design developmentally appropriate experiences that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development for every child.
• Create
• Lasting
• Connections: Conduct two parent-teacher conferences and home visits each year, building strong relationships and partnerships with families to support children’s growth.
• Inclusive
• Practices: Adhere to Individualized Education Programs and Family Service Plans, providing tailored support as directed by Education Managers or Consultants.
• Champion
• Diversity: Incorporate children’s interests, cultures, and school readiness goals into individualized and group learning opportunities, celebrating the richness of our community.
• Ensure
• Safety: Adhere to state licensing standards, Head Start guidelines, and ISBE regulations by implementing active supervision strategies to ensure the safety of all children, guaranteeing that no child is ever left alone or unattended. Implement positive discipline guidance in the classroom to create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages positive interactions.
• Monitor
• Progress: Observe and document each child’s health, skills, and development, facilitating curriculum planning sessions to set clear learning goals based on your findings. Maintain Education binders.
• Collaborative
• Team
• Environment: Actively contribute to creating a positive classroom atmosphere where all team members including teachers and teacher aide support one another, share best practices, and work together to uphold the organization’s core values. This entails keeping the classroom environment, ensuring organization, and addressing the diaper or potty-training requirements of the children as necessary.
• Stay
• Compliant: Adhere to all Early Head Start/Prevention Initiative regulations, DCFS State licensing Standards, Standards of Conduct and Start Early philosophy, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. Manage responsibilities about daily attendance, parent sign-in and complete meal participation reports.
• Recruitment
• Efforts: Take part in recruitment activities to maintain full enrollment in the program, engaging with families in the community to spread awareness about the benefits of our program offerings.
• Training and
• Professional
• Development: Take part in continuous professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in supporting children’s school readiness goals. This includes ongoing reflective supervision, all staff meetings, pre-service training and other required training sessions during professional development days. Perform other duties as assigned, adhering to all relevant regulations and agency policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree early childhood education or child development, or in another related field with at least 30 hours in ECE. Professional Educator License (PEL) with ECE Endorsement and Illinois Gateways I/T Credential Level 5, Food Handler Certification, First Aid and CPR preferred. A minimum of two years of experience in an early childhood setting, ideally with knowledge of Head Start/Preschool for All programs. Preferred knowledge Creative Curriculum, Coaching to Fidelity, Teaching Strategies GOLD, ITERS/ECERS and CLASS and Child Developmentally screening and assessment tools. A passion for nurturing meaningful teacher-child interactions and a commitment to professional growth through continuous learning opportunities. Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with children and families from diverse backgrounds. We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Base Annual Salary

$54,833.00 - $57,630.00 + $5,000 Sign on Bonus We believe that all employees should be paid fairly. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.