CBU STATUS: Union
Erie Neighborhood House, a progressive social service agency serving the Chicago metropolitan area and dedicated to promoting a just and inclusive society, is seeking a Lead Infant Teacher, to work in our NAEYC accredited Childcare Program.
Basic Function:
Reporting to the Site Director, the basic function of the Lead Infant Teacher is to maintain the safety and well-being of infants in their care.
Position Responsibilities:
Implement the Early Head Start/Prevention Initiative curriculum
Implement developmentally appropriate practice
Working alongside the Site Director, the Lead Teacher will provide discipline and feedback performance review for the Assistant Teacher.
Meets monthly with Site Director for supervision and support.
Act as part of a team in creating an environment where children can learn
Act as part of a team in creating and implementing group lesson plans
Meets with Assistant Toddler Teacher(s) on a monthly basis to provide supervision and support and to discuss classroom concerns.
Serve as the primary caregiver for an assigned group of children
Monitor children at all times using active supervision
Record observations, write individual child lesson plans, maintain up-to-date documentation in COPA, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and child education files
Implement screenings, assessments, and reporting of outcomes for assigned children
Communicate with parents/families and reports child progress through scheduled parent-teacher conferences and home visits
Initiate referrals for children with suspected special needs
Take proper care of classroom equipment and supplies and reports all repairs as needed and maintains an inventory
Research new ideas, methods, resources and materials for lesson plans
Promote an atmosphere of team work where staff, parents and children interact positively with each other
Participate in required agency meetings and in-service trainings
Maintain Gateways registry membership
Participate in 20 hours of professional development each program year
Maintain 5 hours Gateways approved training each program year
Responsible for the program complying with Erie, the Board of Education and all State licensing requirements and performance standards, including promoting the health and safety of all children, following sanitation procedures and universal precautions, completing a bi-annual physical exam, complying with the Confidentiality and Child Abuse and Neglect Act as a mandated reporter, as well as the American with Disabilities Act and Erie’s Inclusion Policy
Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
Associates degree in Early Childhood Education
Must obtain Gateways Infant and Toddler credential level 5 by 2024
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Must be able to sit on the floor for extended periods of time
Experience in caring for infants and toddlers preferred
Physical constraints required include, but not limited to, the ability to lift and carry children and other items weighing up to 50 pounds including evacuation of the building during emergencies.
Demonstrates the following qualities: self-motivated, self-directed, follows directions, makes good judgments, creative, reliable, and dependable.
Exhibits sincere interest in working with children and is knowledgeable regarding children's development and growth.
Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.
Upon offer of employment, must complete all forms related to hiring, including Erie’s application and employment status and 3 letters of recommendation. In addition, must complete all DCFS forms, including a Criminal Background Check, Fingerprinting and a Child Abuse and Neglect Background Check.