Head Start Teacher 2

Purpose of Position:

The Start Teacher 2 assists in creating an attractive, warm, and challenging learning environment for infants and toddlers, incorporating appropriate early intervention, learning, and activities to meet the needs of the group, as well as individual children and families. This position is responsible for providing and maintaining a safe environment for enrolled 3-5 year olds.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in establishing an environment that stimulates a desire for learning, independence, and self-esteem for infants, toddlers, and families, both indoors and outdoors.
• Assist in developing and implementing weekly plans, appropriate activities, and learning opportunities within the classroom atmosphere. Adhere to all Head Start Performance Standards, DCFS Licensing regulations, and Heartland Head Start (HHS) program goals.
• In association with the Teacher I, assess each infant/toddler’s developmental needs and develop individual goals according to their interests, abilities, traits, and development. Collaborate with classroom staff to document individualized activities for all infants/toddlers.
• Assist in preparing classroom handouts, newsletters, and reports to communicate effectively with infants/toddlers, parents, families, and staff. Submit all reports in the appropriate timeframe and meet all program deadlines. Maintain current files and up-to-date records of infants, toddlers, and the program.
• Ensure the Family Resource Advocate (FRA) is notified of absenteeism or family changes. If the FRA is not available, contact families about the reason for absence.
• Assume a leadership role in the classroom if the teacher is not in attendance.
• Promote best practices in early childhood development based on Head Start Performance Standards, Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies, and other prescribed curricula used at Heartland Head Start.
• Actively participate in parent engagement activities, including Parent/Child Connection meetings, classroom activities, and other HHS events. Encourage parent and community participation.
• Nurture the development of self-esteem and social skills in infants and toddlers.
• Promote appropriate behavior practices.
• Assist in providing appropriate screenings of infants and toddlers as required by Head Start Performance Standards, DCFS Licensing regulations, and Heartland Head Start curriculum.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Child Development Associate Credential, or
• Associate’s degree in early childhood education (ECE) or related education
• Valid Driver’s License
• Valid automobile insurance
• Reliable vehicle transportation

Preferred Qualifications or Experience:

• Previous childcare experience
• Illinois Food Handler Certificate
• CPR Certification

Other Functions:

• Foster positive relationships between Heartland Head Start toddlers, their families, staff, outside agencies, civic groups, and the general public.
• Assist with all parts of developing child outcomes as assigned.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.
• Assist with classroom coverage, food service, and other classrooms as requested.
• Assure general maintenance and security of the facility and assist with the inventory of equipment and supplies.

Work Environment:

This position requires the employee to handle a fast-paced, changing environment. Employees are regularly required to respond quickly, lift children, walk and stand, use arms and hands, sit on the floor, reach, climb stairs, crouch, crawl, stoop, bend, and squat. Employees must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds regularly and carry 30 pounds occasionally.

The recruitment for this position will remain open until the position is filled. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Salary is commensurate with education and experience

Equal Employment Opportunity & Disclaimer:

Heartland Head Start (HHS) offers fair and equal employment opportunity to all qualified job candidates regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, arrest record, conviction record, physical disability, developmental disability, national origin, membership in the National Guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or Wisconsin, genetic information, marital status, or any legally protected status protected by law in the workplace.

HHS is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [email protected].

This description summarizes the typical functions of the job and is not a comprehensive list of all activities, responsibilities, duties that are required of the role. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in this description, and all other duties, as assigned, are part of the job. This is not an employment contract. Heartland Head Start reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time with or without notice.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

Heartland Head Start is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're interested about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person