Early Head Start Lead Teacher

Job Overview

We are hiring in Beach Park, IL. Start Early is an energized, future‑focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country. Our mission is to close the opportunity gap and build early learning experiences for our youngest learners. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We recruit individuals who share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication. Become part of our rewarding, mission‑driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do.

The Lead Teacher works closely with the Education Coordinator to create comprehensive and engaging lesson plans grounded in research‑based practices for a two‑year‑old classroom. This role requires creativity, individualized lesson planning, daily classroom activity management and fostering an engaging learning environment.

• Create a vibrant classroom environment based on ITERS guidelines and integrate CLASS concepts into daily teacher‑child interactions, aligning with the IELDS/Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Supervise and guide your EHS Teacher, fostering a collaborative atmosphere and leading classroom team meetings.
• Develop lesson plans using research‑based curriculum with clear goals, objectives, experiences, and outcomes for children, integrating health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent involvement.
• Use child assessments, screening results and observation data to design developmentally appropriate experiences that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development for every child.
• Conduct two parent‑teacher conferences and home visits each year, building strong relationships and partnerships with families.
• Adhere to Individualized Education Programs and Family Service Plans, providing tailored support as directed by Education Managers or Consultants.
• Incorporate children’s interests, cultures, and school readiness goals into individualized and group learning opportunities, celebrating community richness.
• Ensure safety by adhering to state licensing standards, Head Start guidelines, and ISBE regulations, implementing active supervision strategies to guarantee that no child is ever left alone or unattended.
• Observe and document each child’s health, skills, and development, supporting curriculum planning and setting clear learning goals.
• Contribute to a positive classroom atmosphere by ensuring organization and addressing diaper or potty‑training requirements.
• Adhere to all Early Head Start/Prevention Initiative regulations, DCFS State licensing Standards, Standards of Conduct and Start Early philosophy, managing responsibilities such as daily attendance, parent sign‑in and meal participation reports.
• Participate in recruitment activities to maintain full enrollment in the program, engaging families in the community to spread awareness of our program offerings.
• Engage in continuous professional development, including reflective supervision, staff meetings, pre‑service training and needed training sessions during professional development days.
• Perform other duties as assigned, adhering to all relevant regulations and agency policies.

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or child development, or 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.
• Minimum two years of experience in an early childhood setting, ideally with knowledge of Head Start/Preschool for All programs.
• Preferred knowledge of Creative Curriculum, Coaching to Fidelity, Teaching Strategies GOLD, ITERS/ECERS, CLASS and child developmental screening and assessment tools.
• Passion for nurturing meaningful teacher‑child interactions and commitment to professional growth through continuous learning.
• Strong communication skills and ability to…