In Illinois, preschool teacher roles are commonly driven by ongoing demand for early childhood staff in child care centers and school-based programs. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma plus a CDA or an associate’s degree in child development, along with prior child care or classroom experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to highlight hands-on work with young children and any credential or coursework that matches the posting.
Quick overview
Plan and implement educational activities for preschool children while maintaining a safe and supportive environment. Collaborate with staff and parents to support child development and ensure compliance with licensing and agency standards.
Requirements summary
Requires an Infant Toddler CDA certification and a clean criminal background check. An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred, along with the ability to obtain a Gateways Level 4 Credential.
professional certificateassociate degreebachelor degreeDocumentationSafety ComplianceClassroom ManagementParent CommunicationLesson PlanningStudent AssessmentChild GuidanceActive SupervisionCollaborative PlanningDual Language Support
Job description
We are currently looking to fill a teacher role at our HACC Family Center in Chicago.
SALARY
• The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $42,000 and $45,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.
$2,500 Sign-on Bonus for first-time employees with MFS! ($500 on the first paycheck and $1,000 after 6 months of employment and $1,000 after a year).
Essential job functions
Participates in a team approach to planning and implementing program activities. Collaborates with Family Support Workers, Lead Teacher, Program Aide, site partners, and site supervisor for the betterment of the classroom and families.
Assumes responsibility for classroom in lead teacher’s absence.
Participates in childcare and classroom-related activities during parent meetings/workshops.
Participates in ongoing CLASS implementation and monitoring.
Responsible for the implementation of the program’s Planned Language Approach, which is specifically designed to support dual language learners.
Guide and facilitate activities of the children. Ensures appropriate child guidance and discipline and proper ratios are maintained at all times.
Attend all mandated trainings. Set and achieve professional development goals. Share resources with other staff members as appropriate. All professional development to be tracked in Gateways.
Aid in the maintenance of ongoing, high-quality documentation of school readiness skills. Maintain Interrater Reliability through Teaching Strategies Gold.
Participates in the planning and implementation of education home visits and parent teacher conferences as needed.
Help ensure accurate teacher and child files as required by licensing agents, Early Childhood requirements and Metropolitan Family Services.
Ensure all transportation safety procedures are followed including utilization of the bus attendance log if applicable.
Ensure accurate completion CACFP documents in conjunction with the teaching staff.
Develops and maintains effective supportive relationships with parents, children and staff.
Participates in promoting the development of children by contributing to weekly lesson planning using Creative Curriculum including individualization for all children, including monitoring and facilitating accommodations listed in IEPs and IFSPs.
Benefits
Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Sign-on Bonus
HSA Account Contributions
Free General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc Services
401K Plan with 4% Employer Match
Provides a supportive, caring and safe environment for children.
Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe.
Provides active supervision to ensure the safety of children while in the classroom, during transitions, at time of transportation, and while on the playground. Ensures that no child shall be left alone or unsupervised.
Ensures the usage of agency technology equipment and time are utilized for agency business.
Ensures compliance with the agency’s code of conduct.
Ensures agency’s fiscal integrity by adhering to purchase approval requirements and procedures.
Assists in the development of the agency’s annual program self-assessment.
Ensures all content area data is accurately reflected in the agency’s Program Information Report within set time frames.
Participate in program recruitment efforts to maintain full enrollment.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
Ability to obtain appropriate Gateways to Opportunity Level 4 Credential.
Qualifications
Infant Toddler CDA-child development associates' certification required.
Associate’s degree in early childhood education or child development from an accredited college or university preferred.
Bachelors or AA in field outside of ECE with a minimum 60 college credit hours. of which 15 must be in early childhood education or child development and/or with a Gateways Level 4 credential preferred.
Additional requirements
• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and criminal background checks.
Transportation/Travel requirements
• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle. Travel between sites required.
Physical demands
While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle, and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and viewing a computer terminal.
Some of the above benefits are available for part-time and temporary workers, but not all. Be sure to inquire upon your hire as to which benefits apply to you.
More about us
Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.
