Start Early/EHSN/Children’s Place Association/Children’s Home & Aid

As the Lead Teacher, you will work in tandem with the Education Manager  on devising comprehensive lesson plans based upon Educare Chicago’s research-based methods for instruction. Lesson planning will entail devising individualized lesson plans for all children within your classroom, creating developmentally appropriate content based upon the ages and abilities within your classroom, and a commitment to best-in-class practices. Your role will also involve the implementation and management of the day-to-day lesson plans.   Working Closely with your Education Coordinator, Teacher Aide, and Teacher Assistant, you will: Supervise, mentor the Teacher Assistant and Teacher Aide Utilize standardized and authentic assessment data to plan and implement developmentally appropriate experiences and individualized lesson plans that will promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child.  Adhere to all Individualized Education Programs, Individualized Family Service Plans, and/or Individualized Health Care Plans and strategies provided by Education Managers or Consultants.   Establish and maintain a classroom environment which includes positive guidance and emotionally supportive techniques that meets state and local licensing regulations, Head Start Program Performance Observe, assess, and document each assigned child’s health, skills, and behavioral, growth and development.  Facilitate curriculum planning sessions to develop clear learning objectives that effectively incorporate documentation collected on each child. Identify any developmental concerns regarding the children and follow agency protocol. Develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, experiences and outcomes for children integrating health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities and parent involvement. Incorporate children’s interests, culture, school readiness goals, State and Head Start guidelines, program curriculum and approach into individualized and group learning opportunities.    

As Site Safety Specialist you will build and maintain a safe learning and work environment for children, families, staff, and guests. The Site Safety Specialist models and promote a positive, productive, and safe school climate. Control and supervise all escalated issues and report them to the respective managers and authorities. Manage school access by supervising gates and other points of entry throughout the school to ensure that students, staff, parents, guardians, visitors, vendors, and contractors are appropriately identified and escorted through the school building. De-escalate issues between students, staff, parents, guardians, visitors, and community members while on school property as needed. Work collaboratively with school administration and security company in the coordination of security services. Assist administrators and Facilities Supervisors during emergency drills, investigations, and safety inspections Ensure the security officers contracted by Educare School are performing their duties in compliance to all safety regulations and will report any observed violations. Assist with developing effective school-community relations and in maintaining a positive school climate that promotes a healthy and encouraging school environment. Education/Experience : Possess a high school diploma/GED. Have a proven stable work history. Minimum 2-3 years of security experience. Related Experience: Have a proven stable work history. Minimum 2-3 years of security experience.    

The PD Coordinator will deliver and/or coordinate effective and meaningful professional development experiences to ensure various Early Childhood staff meet the requirements of their Professional Development Plan (created at hire, required by Head Start).  Training audiences would include Family Support Staff as well as Teaching staff (Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Teacher Aide).   Preferred candidate will have teaching and/or Family Engagement experience in a Early/Head Start Program as well as credentials/background in: CLASS CDA Advisor for Center Based Portage Project TSG GOLD certification ITERS-R , ECERS-R Educare Learning Network (Family Services Coaching) Candidates accepted into this position who do not have the above credentials will have 6 months to obtain certification.    

The Home Visitor provides comprehensive home visiting services to improve the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of participating children and families in Head Start/Early Head Start home-based program. This person arranges and provides a variety of educational experiences for parents and children to reduce isolation, integrating them into the larger community, rapidly growing social networks and improving parenting skills. This candidate develops and maintains relationships with families and ensures they receive comprehensive services including health and social services, disabilities, early childhood education, care services, and a range of parent development training opportunities. They ensure compliance with Head Start/Early Head Start guidelines and regulations. Desired Qualifications Associate or Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field with a home visitor credential). Minimum of one to three years of experience working in early childhood/family support or home visiting program. Knowledgeable of theories and principles of healthy child growth and development. Experience in creating comprehensive developmental activities for parents and children, program development, and assessing the quality of services. Ability to establish supportive relationships with children and families from a diverse set of backgrounds. Working knowledge of community resources, family welfare, and government assistance programs. Knowledge of community resources and capacity to develop community cooperation to ensure that families receive comprehensive services. Communicate effectively and function well with families, children, staff, and various professional community groups.    

The Lead Teacher provides direct care to children in a group setting and is responsible for developing educational/recreational lesson plans for each assigned child. He/she participates in the planning and supervision of seasonal family activities, gives program information to clients, engages in weekly staff meetings and client charting, and provides direction to classroom assistant(s) and volunteers. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Early Childhood Special Education required. Type 04 teaching certificate required. Minimum of 3 years of professional experience working with young children in a childcare setting required, with at least 1 year of experience as a Lead Teacher.