Early Head Start Teacher

Early Head Start Teacher

We are hiring in Waukegan, IL. Start Early 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 Early Head Start Teacher works closely with the Lead Teacher to create comprehensive and engaging lesson plans grounded in research-based practices for 0-3 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.

As a part of the Waukegan Teaching Team you will;

• Create a vibrant classroom environment based on ITERS guidelines and integrate CLASS concepts into daily teacher child interactions and routines, aligning with the IELDS/Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Plan and implement 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.
• Complete required documentation, 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 parent-teacher conferences and home visits each year, building strong relationships and partnerships with families to support children's growth. Participate in Family Child Reviews.
• Adhere to Individualized Education Programs and Family Service Plans, providing tailored support for every child as directed by Lead Teacher, Education Managers or Consultants.
• 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, guaranteeing 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. Monitor child education binders and ensure all confidential information is protected. Maintain Education binders.
• Share best practices and work together with Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide to uphold the organization's core values. This entails keeping the classroom environment, ensuring organization, and addressing the diaper or potty-training requirements of the children, as necessary.
• Adhere to all Early Head Start/Prevention Initiative regulations, DCFS State licensing Standards, Standards of Conduct and Start Early philosophy, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. 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, pre-service training and other required training sessions during professional development days.
• Perform other duties as assigned, adhering to all relevant regulations and agency policies.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in early childhood education (ECE) or Child Development (CD), OR Sixty (60) college credit hours with a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours (6 semester hours of which are in infant/toddler development.
• Illinois Gateways Infant/Toddler Credential Level 3, Food Handler Certification, First Aid and CPR preferred.
• A minimum of two years of experience in an early childhood setting, ideally with knowledge of Head Start/Preschool for All programs.
• Preferred knowledge Creative Curriculum, Coaching to Fidelity, Teaching Strategies GOLD, ITERS/ECERS and CLASS and Child Developmentally screening and assessment tools.
• Strong communication skills and the ability…