PEL Lead Teacher

We are hiring in Beach Park, IL.

Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and 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 Preschool Certified Teacher (PEL) works closely with the Education Coordinator to create comprehensive and engaging lesson plans grounded in research-based practices for 3-5 year olds. Your creativity will shine as you tailor individualized lesson plans that cater to the unique needs of each child, ensuring they thrive in a nurturing and developmentally appropriate setting. You will manage daily classroom activities, bringing excitement and energy to every learning experience.

• Create a vibrant classroom environment based on ECERS guidelines and integrate CLASS concepts into daily teacher-child interactions and routines, aligning with the IELDS/Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Supervise and guide your Teacher Assistant, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the educational experience for all. Lead classroom team meetings.
• Work closely with the Education Coordinator and team to develop, maintain and monitor individual child education binders, ensuring all confidential information is protected. Follow Education timeline following program regulations.
• Develop lesson plans using researched-based Creative 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 to support children’s growth.
• Adhere to Individualized Education Programs and Family Service Plans, providing tailored support for every child’s unique journey.
• Incorporate children’s interests, cultures, and school readiness goals into individualized and group learning opportunities, celebrating the richness of our community.
• Adhere to state licensing standards, Head Start guidelines, and ISBE regulations by implementing active supervision strategies to ensure the safety of all children, ensuring 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.
• Observe and document each child’s health, skills, and development, facilitating curriculum planning sessions to set clear learning goals based on your findings.
• Actively contribute to creating a positive classroom atmosphere where all team members, including teacher assistants and teacher aides, support one another, share best practices, and work together to uphold the organization’s core values.
• Manage responsibilities about daily attendance, parent sign-in and complete meal participation reports.
• 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.
• 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, cohorts, pre-service training and other required training sessions during…