Preschool Lead Teacher

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Job Title: Preschool Lead Teacher

Reports to: Breakthrough Beginners Director

FLSA Code: Full time, Exempt with benefits

Hours: 40-hour workweek

Program Area: Breakthrough Youth Network (BYN)

Location: Family Plex, 3219 W. Carroll, Chicago, IL 60624

Position Summary The Preschool Lead Teacher works in the BYN-Breakthrough Beginners and is primarily responsible to work with the staff and Director to plan and lead the day-to-day operations of a classroom for children 2–5 years old. The Preschool Lead Teacher at Breakthrough is responsible for delivering comprehensive early childhood education services to children in a safe, nurturing environment. In this position, teachers are expected to collaborate effectively with their teaching team to provide a seamless educational experience for children.

This position is responsible for planning and implementing structured educational activities based on program curriculum. At all times, teachers must ensure adherence with licensing standards and funder requirements.

• Demonstrate knowledge and act in compliance with DCFS, City of Chicago, DFSS and Head Start regulations and standards
• Understands and adheres to CLASS, ITERS, Teaching Strategies, Creative Curriculum and other classroom tools
• Collaborate with teaching team to provide a classroom environment that is reflective of diverse races, cultures, and languages; adapts teaching in response to children’s differences
• Complete meal preparation sheets, child development files, anecdotal and developmental observations of each child, maintaining confidentiality of family records and information
• Collaboratively plans developmentally appropriate activities for small/large groups that address the needs identified in assessments. Activities must promote multiculturalism and aid in the development of critical-thinking skill
• Document children’s growth and development using written observations, photography and assessment tools
• Conduct, document and follow-up on daily child health checks
• Actively supervise and interact with all students in their care at all times
• Enjoy family-style mealtimes with students and encourages them to serve themselves and feed themselves independently
• Change diapers and pull-ups, as needed, and assist students in toileting
• Develop and build positive relationships with parents/guardians by greeting them and communicating with them, as well as providing experiences that enhance their roles as their child’s primary influence in growth and development
• Encourage parents to become involved in the classroom, as well as the Parent Committee and Policy Committee
• Participate in annual parent orientation/open house at least twice per year
• Utilize the assistance of the Family Support Staff, Mental Health Consultant and other professionals to assist and refer parents to community resources
• Conduct and participate in home visits twice per year at the designated time
• Participate in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends
• Participate in supervision meetings and workshops within the center and outside (if applicable)
• Participate in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of Breakthrough
• Assist center personnel in planning special events and other enrichment activities
• Attends and engages in professional development opportunities, such as staff meetings, in-service trainings, and conferences. Participates in at least 20 hours of professional development annually
• Performing other duties as assigned

• Independently follows agency policy and procedures
• Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines
• Identifies and resolves difficult issues
• Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming
• Promote customer care through all actions and behaviors
• Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served
• Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.
• A passion for the mission of Breakthrough

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education preferred…