Infant​/Toddler Lead Teacher

The Early Education and Care team at the YMCA is now hiring Infant/Toddler Lead Teachers for Early Head Start. Pay range is $43,888.00-$60,361.60 annually depending on qualifications and certifications.

• Official transcripts from accredited institutions verifying educational qualifications relevant to early childhood education.
• Valid credentials or certifications, such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or state-specific teaching licenses.

• Provide effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, and related research for children ages 6 weeks-3 years old.
• Provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervision of children assigned in the classroom, and a supportive classroom climate while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met as mandated by Head Start, NAEYC, federal, state and local standards.
• Maintain a positive climate and supervise routines such as diapering, toileting, hand washing, meals.
• Focus on children’s social and emotional well-being; foster self-esteem, trust, and growing autonomy; integrate and assist children with special needs.
• Partner with families and encourage parent involvement through classroom meetings, events, and home activities; obtain families’ social-cultural background information to design meaningful learning experiences.
• Incorporate rigorous academic instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) and support linguistic and culturally responsive practices.
• Schedule and conduct at least two Home Visits and two Parent/Teacher Conferences annually for each child, each program year.
• Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire classroom; ensure routines like diapering, toileting, meals are handled promptly and in compliance with regulations.
• Follow a consistent schedule that meets individual needs of each child, including skill development, meals, napping, and transitions.
• Respond promptly to children’s needs and temperament; engage and guide children at play at the child’s level.
• Complete at least 30 clock hours of professional development annually and maintain a log of achievements.
• Participate in recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention efforts for eligible families; support the YMCA’s mission and center operations as needed.

• Create and maintain an engaging learning environment; provide designated areas to display families’ and children’s work.
• Develop lesson plans with goals and outcomes that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent activities.
• Provide age-appropriate learning experiences that support social-emotional and cognitive development, early language and literacy, physical development, and the arts.
• Establish professional rapport and work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom; communicate regularly with the classroom team to review data, discuss strategies, and develop plans.
• Supply materials that reflect the children’s interests and culture; rotate materials to maintain and encourage new learning.
• Complete classroom inventory quarterly; identify and select materials, supplies, and equipment to support children’s learning; maintain sanitation of surfaces and equipment.

• Administer and document initial and ongoing development using required screening tools; observe and record progress and referrals.
• Participate in staffing with families and other professionals on children suspected of needing evaluation.
• Maintain up-to-date child education files and portfolios; enter data into information systems and complete required paperwork.

• Report health or safety hazards; follow policies related to keeping children safe in facilities and programs.
• Report suspicious behavior or policy violations; complete all required child abuse prevention training.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with two Infant/Toddler courses (minimum 6 college credit hours).
• Level 4 Gateways Infant/Toddler Certification or Erikson Institute Infant/Toddler Certification.
• 1-3 years in an early childhood classroom; preferably in a NAEYC-accredited program and/or Early Head Start or Prevention Initiative funded program.
• Must pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance; annual physical exam required.
• Experience with Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold preferred.
• Knowledge of curriculum design and instruction for children ages 0-3; ability to interpret Head Start Standards and licensing requirements.
• Ability to build rapport with children, parents, and families of high risk; proficient with Microsoft Word and data management software.
• Willing and able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and Saturdays; travel within Chicagoland area may be required.
• This is a union position.