3-5 Head Start Assistant Teacher

Under the direction of the 3-5 Coordinator, assists in overseeing and directing the planning, organizing, and implementation of education services for children, in addition to part time classroom teacher duties which include: Developing and implementing individual educational plans for children. Candidates must have a passion for creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to receive a quality education, and the ability to lead the classroom team. To ensure our youngest children have a solid foundation for life. To encourage the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Early Head Start children and to attend to their safety and welfare. To promote family engagement in all aspects of the program.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Contributes to the development of the overall agency and center educational plan.

• Leads classroom teams in creating an atmosphere in which children can grow and develop; develops a classroom environment that is welcoming and emphasizes the importance of the child; includes furnishings and supplies which are attractive, durable and developmentally appropriate.
• Introduces, implements and evaluates developmentally appropriate activities for young children including the following activities: Self Image, Language/Literacy Development, Music and Movement, Social Studies, Science, Math, Art, Large/Small Motor Activities, and In-Depth Projects.
• Participate in grantee and delegate component pre-service training. Implement program curricula in the classroom.
• Responsible for preparing classroom materials in advance of children’s arrival and maintaining a clean classroom environment (including sweeping, mopping, dusting, wiping surfaces in the classroom…).
• Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and the component plans. and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices.
• Guide and facilitate the activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
• Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment, completed as per program procedures.
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.

Employment Qualifications and RequirementsEducation:

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Illinois Gateways credential level 4

Experience: Work or educational experience in the classroom, and collaborating with parents in the education of their children. 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have the ECE Level 4 Gateways credential?

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60639 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27