Teacher, Early Childhood Education

Teacher (0-3)

Company: Chicago Youth Centers (CYC)

Website: chicagoyouthcenters.org

Compensation: $40,000 - $52,000

Classification: Full Time;
Exempt

Reports to: Childcare Director

Location: CYC Dorothy Gautreaux Center, 975

E. 132nd St, Chicago, IL

Schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday–Friday (varies by program needs)

The Early Head Start Teacher (0-3) is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervising children in the classroom, creating a supportive and positive climate, implementing the Gold Assessment and Creative Curriculum, administering developmental screenings, conducting home visits and parent conferences, and referring children with disabilities. The role also involves participating in family engagement activities and parent meetings.

• Provide a positive climate, responsive caregiving, and continuity to help children develop secure relationships while focusing on their social and emotional well–being.
• Work with assigned group of 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.
• Complete developmental and social‑emotional screenings.
• Develop weekly lesson plans, including individualization for children.
• Refer children with special needs to the Family Service Associate and Inclusion Manager.
• Integrate and assist children with special needs using child IFSP.
• Partner with families and encourage parent involvement through classroom parent meetings, events, and home activities.
• Obtain families’ socio‑cultural background information and design meaningful learning experiences based on findings.
• Schedule and conduct at least two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences annually for each child.
• Maintain awareness and supervision of the entire classroom, ensuring routines such as diapering, toileting, hand washing, and meals are handled promptly and consistently with regulations.
• Follow a schedule that meets each child’s individual needs, including skill development, meals, napping, and transitions.
• Respond quickly to children’s needs and temperament styles.
• Engage and guide children at play, meeting them at their physical level.
• Complete at least thirty hours of professional development annually and maintain a log of achievements.
• Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention of eligible families.
• Other duties as assigned to fulfill the mission.

• ATTITUDE MATTERS – Positivity begins with me. I aim to be enthusiastic, optimistic, and kind.
• CARE FOR REAL – I commit to serving children, families, coworkers, and the community with respect.
• OWN IT – I take ownership and complete responsibilities with consistency and dependability.
• PUSH FORWARD – I stay determined, seek innovative solutions, and continuously learn.

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with 2 infant/toddler courses.
• Infant/Toddler CDA or 120 credit hours in Infant Toddler (if no degree).
• Minimum level 2 ECE/IT Gateways Credential.
• By 2024, obtain Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential Level 5.

• 1 year of EHS classroom experience in a NAEYC accredited or Head Start classroom.
• Fluency in English and Spanish.
• Experience implementing early childhood curriculum (Creative Curriculum) and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience in child observation, assessment, and documenting skills, growth, and development.
• Computer skills:
  Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• CPR/First Aid certified.

Salary

Description:

Commensurate with experience.

EOE/MVF