Lead Teacher

Join to apply for the Lead Teacher role at Casa Central in Chicago, IL.

$65,000.00/yr - $65,000.00/yr

Casa Central’s Early Learning Academy provides high‑quality, comprehensive early childhood education services for children ages birth to five and their families. The Lead Teacher delivers effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation, and related research for children ages 3‑5, ensuring a developmentally appropriate learning experience and a supportive, positive classroom climate in line with Head Start, COA, federal, state, and local standards.

• Lead Classroom Team – Provide guidance to children, families, teaching team, volunteers, and visitors; promote teamwork; and ensure a safe, nurturing environment.
• Implement Developmentally Appropriate Practices – Use Creative Curriculum materials, create inclusive lesson plans, and maintain up‑to‑date documentation in databases such as Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Facilitate Data‑Driven Instruction – Report on classroom activities and children’s outcomes to families; use data to design new lessons and support individual IEP goals.
• Provide safe supervision and implement screenings, assessments, and reporting of outcomes.
• Communicate with parents/families via conferences and home visits; initiate referrals for further evaluation when needed.
• Participate in IEP meetings, collaborate with consultants and other Casa Central personnel, and support social‑emotional development through positive management approaches.
• Maintain classroom equipment, supplies, and inventory; report needed repairs.
• Participate in required trainings (Teaching Strategies GOLD, Creative Curriculum, CLASS) and meetings; support agency’s School Readiness goals.
• Prepare reports on classroom activities, including attendance records; complete ongoing professional development plans; and engage in coaching with the Education Coordinator.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Sensitivity to cultural diversity; must pass pre‑employment screening including medical, lift, drug and alcohol, and aptitude testing.

Lead Teacher 1: B.A. in Early Childhood Education or related field with a Gateways Early Childhood Education Level 5 Credential.
Lead Teacher 2: B.A. in Early Childhood Education or related field with a Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Early Childhood Endorsement.

Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Must be computer literate; proficient with Microsoft applications and web‑based management information systems.

Basic mathematical skills required.

Work within an interdisciplinary team, establish relationships with families from diverse backgrounds; knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards preferred.

Exercises discretion and sound judgment in executing tasks.

Uses reflective practices and leadership to guide and support staff in the classroom.

Not eligible for remote work; personal mobile phone not required.

Regularly sits, talks, listens, and uses hands; lifts and carries up to 25 lbs.

Moderate noise level, moderate work environment.