Lead Teacher; Early Childhood

Lead Teacher (Early Childhood 0-3 or 3-5)

Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.

As Lead Teacher
, you will implement Head Start standards for children aged 0-3 or 3-5 and their families, ensuring services are individualized and meet social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs of students. Our Early Childhood Education Center holds COA and NAEYC accreditation and Excele Rate Gold Circle of Quality designation. You will be part of the Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child & Family Center team, with supportive supervision and a cohesive team style.

Candidate Qualifications

For Lead Teacher 0-3 year olds:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with a minimum of 24 hours of Early Childhood Education classes required.
• Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 5 Credential required and Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Level 5 Credential required.
• A minimum of two years working with children and/or families required.

For Lead Teacher 3-5 year olds:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with a minimum of 24 hours of Early Childhood Education classes required.
• Illinois Professional Educators License (PEL) required or must be obtained within 24 months of employment and Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 5 Credential required.
• A minimum of two years working with children and/or families required.

(Candidates without the required degree/credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan).

Job Details

• Compensation: Salary range is between $60k-$65k; offers are commensurate on experience and bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation. The salary range represents current posting estimates and is subject to change. Final salary will be determined based on factors including experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs. We are committed to fair and equitable compensation and to fostering a diverse workforce with equal opportunities for all candidates.
• Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, three weeks of paid time off annually (Spring, Summer, Winter), additional flexible paid leave based on tenure; 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match.
• Location: Classroom setting at Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child & Family Center.
• Schedule: Full-time, salaried; center is open Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm; assigned shifts may vary.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

• Education and Training

• Individual and Family Services

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