Lead Teacher 1

Purpose of Position:

The classroom Teacher helps in creating an attractive, warm, and challenging learning where each child has the opportunity to develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately. This position is also responsible for encouraging and promoting parent involvement and coaching parents throughout the school year on methods that will help their children improve their school readiness skills. The Teacher is responsible for meeting all applicable Head Start Performance Standards and program goals.

Essential Functions:

• Establish an environment which will stimulate a desire for learning, independence and positive self-esteem for children and families, both indoor and outdoor.
• Develop and implement weekly plans, appropriate activities, and learning opportunities within the classroom atmosphere. Encourage parents to participate in curriculum planning and program development.
• To plan and implement a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each child's age and language.
• In association with parents, assess each child’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 children.
• Prepare classroom handouts, newsletters, and reports to communicate effectively with children, 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 children and programs. Schedule and participate in parent/teacher conferences and home visits two times a year.
• To conduct ongoing assessment and individualization documentation in a timely manner.
• To develop nurturing relationships with each child by encouraging his or her social and emotional development.
• Maintain accurate and complete attendance and submit to Center Manager the last day of each month (if applicable).
• Participate in family-style meal service, providing supervision and model appropriate meal behavior.
• Clean the eating areas before and after meal service using the appropriate sanitation methods.
• Work with Family Resource Advisor and other PFCE staff to ensure that children in the classroom are receiving applicable services.
• Provide an active leadership role within the classroom.
• Be a role model to classroom staff, children, parents, and volunteers.
• Supervise classroom staff and volunteers.
• Promote best practices in early childhood development based on Head Start Performance Standards 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 (at least 4 per year).
• Encourage parent and community participation.
• Promote appropriate behavior practices.
• Provide appropriate screenings of children as required by Head Start Performance Standards, DCFS Licensing regulations and Heartland Head Start curriculum.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Regular positive attendance, including promptness to all meetings, events, appointments, etc.
• Maintain a positive, professional appearance and attitude, both in person and on the telephone.
• Cooperate with all supervisors, colleagues, parents and staff.
• Communicate precisely, objectively, positively, and appropriately.
• Participate in community and program events to promote and provide information about the program and recruitment options. A minimum of 3 events per year.
• Be conscientious in looking for non-federal match (NFM) opportunities. Extend a request for NFM in-kind donations, including goods, services and/or cash, to enhance our organization’s fiscal opportunities.
• Preserve confidentiality of all programs, staff, and parent/child information.
• Complete all tasks in a timely manner.
• Not make derogatory comments about program, staff, and client families.
• Participate in scheduled and approved program-related training.
• Perform any other duties necessary to the smooth operation of the agency and its programs or as assigned.
• Foster positive relationships between Heartland Head Start and Early Head Start children, their families, staff, outside agencies, civic groups, and the public.
• Assist with all parts of developing child outcomes as assigned.
• Participate in ongoing training on a regular basis.
• Assist with classroom coverage, food service, and bus monitoring for field trips and other classrooms’ needs as requested.
• Ability to operate a computer and computer programs including Microsoft Office Suite and the Internet.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

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

Required Education & Experience:

• At least an associates degree in child development or early childhood education, or equivalent coursework
• Early education teaching experience
• A valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable vehicle transportation

Preferred Education & Experience:

• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; or
• A baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Illinois Food Handlers' Certificate
• CPR Certificate

Compensation:
Salary commensurate with experience.

Additional Information:
The recruitment for this position will remain open until the position is filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person