Infant​/Toddler Lead Teacher

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is hiring a full-time Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher for our Early Head Start program. The Early Head Start Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher provides effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation, and related research for children ages 6 weeks-3 years old.

The Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher provides effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation, and related research for children ages 6 weeks-3 years old. The Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervision of children assigned in the classroom, and providing a supportive and positive classroom climate, while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met as mandated by Head Start, NAEYC, federal, state and local standards.

Pay range is $43,888.00-$60,361.60 annually depending on qualifications and credentials

Application Requirements :

To be considered for a position in our early learning program, applicants must submit the following with their application:

* 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.

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

* Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.

* Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.

* Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.

* 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.

* Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.

* Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

* Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope of Responsibilities:

* Provide a positive climate, responsive caregiving, and continuity to help children develop secure relationships while focusing on the children's social and emotional well-being.

* Work with an assigned group of infants, toddlers and two's, applying best practices for care and physical safety

* Facilitate and nurture the development of each child's self-esteem, trust, and growing autonomy.

* Integrate and assist children with special needs.

* Partner with families and encourage parent involvement through a variety of methods (e.g. classroom parent meetings & events and parent/child home activities).

* Obtain families' social-cultural background information and designs meaningful learning experiences for children based on their findings.

* Incorporate rigorous academic instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) that will support children's academic, intellectual, and linguistic development.

* Utilize fidelity measures to support the implementation of English Language Learner programs, and to inform 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; and ensure routines such as diapering, toileting/training, hand washing, meals are handled promptly and consistently with state and local regulations.

* Follow a consistent schedule that meets the individual needs of each child, including skill development, meals, napping, and effective transition between activities.

* Respond quickly and appropriately to children's different and personal needs (verbal and non-verbal cues) and temperament styles

* Engage and guide children at play, meeting them at their physical level (kneeling, bending, or sitting on the floor).

* Complete at least thirty clock hours of professional development annually, through participation in offered training, workshops, in-service days, all staff conferences; and maintain a log of professional development achievements, including documents supporting completion.

* Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention of eligible families.

* Support the YMCA's mission and center operations as needed.

Lesson Planning and Classroom Management

* Create and maintain an engaging learning environment that encourages exploration, interactions with adult caregivers, and independence

* Provide designated areas in the classroom to exhibit displays of families, children, and their work.

* Develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, and outcomes that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent…