Prevention Initiative Infant and Toddler Teacher I

Description

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet offers 43 paid days off per year, excellent medical benefits, and an employer-sponsored 403b plan that requires no contribution from employee. We prioritize your well-being and financial security.

Discover the unique rewards of working in a Head Start program, where you can ignite young minds and provide comprehensive early childhood education that sets the stage for lifelong success.

Catholic Charities’ Head Start program is NAEYC Accredited as well as a Gold Circle Quality and a US Model Head Start Program.

By joining Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Head Start, you will make a lasting impact on children's lives, and have the opportunity to uplift families by empowering them to thrive and create a brighter future for themselves.

General Responsibilities

1. Responsible for adhering to the guidelines of Health and Human Services Prevention Initiative Performance Standards related to Infant Toddler Services in conjunction with State Licensing Standards.
2. In the absence of the Site Supervisor, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the center as the delegate, when requested.
3. Programmatic recruitment will takes place throughout the community as specified and designated.
4. Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

Essential Functions

1. Provide learning experiences/curriculum that support child development, including, but not limited to, language and literacy, mathematics, science, physical education, fine arts, foreign language, social/emotional development, and other subject matter as suited to the developmental appropriateness and needs of children.
2. Develop and use instructional materials suitable for verbal or visual instruction of children with a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional maturities.
3. Develop in each child an awareness of their worth as an individual and his/her role in the family and community.
4. Provide ongoing observation and authentic assessment of children and maintain documentation of each child’s progress and growth.
5. Provide individual and small-group instruction designed to meet individual needs of children in communication skills, health habits, physical skills, and development of satisfactory self-concepts. Work with other support personnel/agencies to promote this goal.
6. Enrich educational program through study trips to community resources, such as zoos and parks, and through classroom visits by resource persons from the school and community. Share and interpret these experiences with children and parents.
7. Plan and coordinate the work of associates, assistants, parents, and volunteers in the classroom and on field trips in order to obtain the maximum benefit from their efforts.
8. Develop activities for parents that promote parent participation and involvement in education activities provided for their children.
9. Communicate regularly with parents by means of parent meetings (monthly), newsletters (bi-monthly), home visits (twice a year), and individual parent conferences (twice a year).
10. Interpret school program to parents in order to strengthen parental understanding of the individual children’s needs and child care’s role in the child’s life.
11. Create an effective environment that fosters learnings, including switching or rotating materials in interest areas on a regular basis and attractive displays, interest centers, and exhibits of children’s work.
12. Maintain professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the program and through self-selected professional growth activities.

Great Employer Provided Benefits

• Time-off: 14 Holidays - 15 Vacation Days -14 Sick Days
• Medical/Dental/Vision Health Insurances
• Flexible Spending Account
• Short-term Disability Insurance 
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (employee paid optional)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• 403B Retirement Plan with employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field is required for this position. Thirty-six hours (36) or more of college credits in early childhood education is required if the degree is in related field. All degrees must come from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.
2. A minimum of (1-5) years’ experience working with young children and families in a childcare setting.
3. At least nineteen (19) years of age.
4. Obtain and maintain the minimum of the Illinois Gateway Infant Toddler ECE Credential Level 3 within two (2) years of employment.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to English language acquisition.
6. Demonstrate the skill and competence to meet personnel qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers.
7. Passage of complete background clearance, physical and Tuberculosis (TB) Test.
8. A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.