Lead Infant Teacher - Bucktown & River North Preschools

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking individuals who are passionate about early childhood education to join our team!

We are currently looking to fill teaching positions in our infant (6 weeks-15 months) and young toddler (15-24 months) classrooms. Full time availability required.

Are you looking for a work environment that is nurturing, supportive, and gratifying? Do you want to work with other professionals who are ready and willing to support you and help you deepen your knowledge of early childhood development? Does having the opportunity to bring your hobbies and interests into your daily work sound exciting? Then Green Bean might be the place for you!

Someone will be a good fit with our school if...

They are self-motivated and eager to learn about the Reggio Emilia philosophy and infant/toddler development
They enjoy working closely with a team and have strong communication skills, are able to be direct and tactful, and able to seek out support and resources when needed
They enjoy flexibility in their lesson planning and are curious about children's interests

General responsibilities for the Lead Teacher role include, but are not limited to:

• Developing weekly lesson plans based on the project approach that includes activities in the following areas: science, math, literacy/language, and physical development
• Following a daily classroom schedule that includes both choice time, circle time and art/sensory activities
• Providing high-quality care including changing diapers, following hand washing procedures for staff and children, participate in family style dining, and monitor the safety and wellbeing of each child
• Documenting group activities through photos, observations and teacher reflection
• Conducting regular observations for individual portfolio assessments
• Conducting parent-teacher conferences (willingness to conduct home visits if deemed appropriate)
• Direct supervision of one or more teaching assistants (including conducting regular team meetings, modeling appropriate interactions with children and parents, training teaching assistants on documentation and project work)
• Updating parent blog on a daily basis
• Participating in annual Open House and other family events at the school
• Participating in ongoing professional development (a minimum of 15 hours per year is required by DCFS)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree (60+ semester hours of college level coursework)
• A minimum of six semester hours in courses directly related directly to child care , Early Childhood Education, and/or child development (from birth to age six)
• Three (3) written character references
• Complete a background check and fingerprinting
• Must be available to work full time between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Schedule coordinated with the Director.
• Meets all DCFS licensing requirements, per the Rules 407, including a physical examination which provides evidence that staff are free of communicable disease, including active tuberculosis, and physical or mental conditions that could affect their ability to perform assigned duties
• Ability to maintain valid DCFS required certifications (SIDS, SBS, Food Handler, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in ECE or related field preferred
• At least one year experience providing care and education for young children in a group childcare setting
• Knowledge of and experience with the Reggio Approach and documentation
• Willingness to develop teaching skills through reflective practice
• Willingness to develop knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice
• Willingness to develop knowledge of DCFS licensing standards