Head Start Education Coordinator

Embrace Life Inc is looking for an experienced educator to join the Embrace Life family as a Head Start Education Coordinator. This role will align with our Regional Manager to fulfill a role guiding teaching staff and implementing curriculum in line with the goals and requirements of the Head Start program. This program works in partnership with local families to provide comprehensive early learning and child care.

The ideal candidate will have a strong Christian moral compass, a background in child care/development, experience providing high quality services, and experience working with other Head Start facilities. This role will also serve as a trusted collaborator to the center staff and families, aiming to develop the highest standard for each classroom. As a Christian company, values and ideals aligned to a Christ-lead life is imperative.

Embrace Life MISSION

We partner with families and children to live their ultimate potential and to fully Embrace Life.

Our structured learning environments are aimed to get kids excited about learning while setting a firm base on the key functional areas.

Our ministry of instilling Christian principles focuses on kids feeling good from the inside out. We operate from the knowledge that each child and their families are all unique, created with special gifts and are all created with a purpose.

Under the supervision of the Head Start program, the Education Coordinator oversees several aspects of the learning plans and curriculum for the center. They will assist the Director with monitoring classrooms, coordinating with families, and collaborating effectively with local resources to work toward providing the highest standard of learning possible.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Perform daily tasks with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and the component plans, Head Start child development outcomes, and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices
• Deliver regular training sessions to teaching staff and monitor the implementation of Head Start curriculum within the classroom
• Supervise all classroom practices - room arrangement, lesson plans, daily schedules, routines, and transitions
• Supervise home visits and parent conferences, actively participate in regular discussions regarding each child's individual development and progress; participate in the implementation and monitoring of I.E.P., I.F.S.P's or any individualized program for children with special needs
• Provide assistance to and maintain open communication with parents to support learning opportunities in the home
• Lead the implementation of a Family Literacy Program and Teacher Professional Development Plans
• Coordinate the transition of children to Kindergarten, and assist with the children's transition to their next destination at the end of the season
• Complete and submit required reports in a timely and accurate fashion
• Assist the Director in annual performance of teaching staff
• Assure that files and documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to use abstract reasoning, problem solving, planning, and analytical skills in: training, evaluation, and program development
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Effective writing and oral communication skills to conduct meetings and training sessions, and to prepare reports that are clear, complete, comprehensive utilizing good grammar and punctuation
• Successfully works in a team setting, displaying a willingness to collaborate with other staff and responding in a positive manner to constructive feedback
• Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community
• Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advance degree in early childhood education or child development; or an advanced degree in education with an Illinois Pre-K certification
• Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, and bilingual education
• Preferred Spanish-speaking, experience with migrant farm workers
• Proof of a physical examination within the last six months, which includes a tuberculosis test, and comply with other background checks as required by DCFS licensing
• Personal qualifications include emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.75 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20