Preschool Lead Teacher

Overview

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

The Preschool Lead Teacher serves within the Breakthrough Youth Network (BYN) – Breakthrough Beginners program and is responsible for partnering with the Director and classroom staff to plan, lead, and support the daily operations of a classroom serving children ages 3–5. A 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 role 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.

• Demonstrates knowledge and acts in compliance with DCFS, City of Chicago, DFSS and Head Start regulations and standards
• Understands and adheres to CLASS, ECERS, Teaching Strategies, Creative Curriculum and other classroom tools
• Collaborates with the teaching team to create a classroom environment that reflects diverse races, cultures, and languages, and adapts instruction to meet the varied needs of all children.
• Completes child 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 skills.
• Documents children’s growth and development using written observations, photography and assessment tools.
• Conducts daily child health checks, documents findings, and ensures timely follow-up as needed.
• Actively supervises and engages with all students at all times while they are in their care.
• Enjoys family-style mealtimes with students and encourages them to serve and feed themselves independently.
• Changes diapers and pull-ups, as needed, and assists students with toileting routines.
• Builds strong, positive relationships with parents/guardians through daily greetings, consistent communication, and by offering experiences that affirm their role as their child’s primary influence in growth and development.
• Encourages parents to participate in the classroom and engage with both the Parent Committee and Policy Committee.
• Participates in annual parent orientation/open house at least twice per year.
• Utilizes the assistance of the Family Support Staff, Mental Health Consultant and other professionals to assist and refer parents to community resources.
• Conducts and participates in home visits twice per year during designated time frames.
• Participates in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends.
• Participates in supervision meetings and relevant workshops within the center and externally (when applicable).
• Engages in civic-engagement activities that advance Breakthrough’s mission.
• Assists 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Independently follows Breakthrough Beginners’ policy and procedures.
• Follows through with commitments, including meeting established timelines.
• Identifies and resolves difficult issues.
• Maintains a professional appearance at all times, demonstrating appropriate hygiene and grooming.
• Promotes customer care through all actions and behaviors.
• Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served.
• Maintains a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful…