Preschool Lead Teacher

Chicago, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Title:Preschool Lead Teacher
Reports to: Breakthrough Beginners Director
FLSA Code: Full time Exempt with benefits
Hours: 40-hour workweek
Program Area: Breakthrough Youth Network (BYN)
Location: FamilyPlex 3219 W. Carroll Chicago IL 60624

POSITION SUMMARY

The Preschool Lead Teacher serves within the Breakthrough Youth Network (BYN) Breakthrough Beginners program and is responsible for partnering with the Director and classroom staff to plan lead and support the daily operations of a classroom serving children ages 35.

A Preschool Lead Teacher at Breakthrough is responsible for delivering comprehensive early childhood education services to children in a safe nurturing this position teachers are expected to collaborate effectively with their teaching team to provide a seamless educational experience for children. This role is responsible for planning and implementing structured educational activities based on program curriculum. At all times teachers must ensure adherence with licensing standards and funder requirements.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS

Demonstrates knowledge and acts in compliance with DCFS City of Chicago DFSS and Head Start regulations and standards
Understands and adheres to CLASS ECERS Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum and other classroom tools
Collaborates with the teaching team to create a classroom environment that reflects diverse races cultures and languages and adapts instruction to meet the varied needs of all children.
Completes child meal preparation sheets child development files anecdotal and developmental observations of each child maintaining confidentiality of family records and information
Collaboratively plans developmentally appropriate activities for small/large groups that address the needs identified in assessments. Activities must promote multiculturalism and aid in the development of critical-thinking skills.
Documents childrens growth and development using written observations photography and assessment tools.
Conducts daily child health checks documents findings and ensures timely follow-up as needed.
Actively supervises and engages with all students at all times while they are in their care.
Enjoys family-style mealtimes with students and encourages them to serve and feed themselves independently.
Changes diapers and pull-ups as needed and assists students with toileting routines.
Builds strong positive relationships with parents/guardians through daily greetings consistent communication and by offering experiences that affirm their role as their childs primary influence in growth and development.
Encourages parents to participate in the classroom and engage with both the Parent Committee and Policy Committee.
Participates in annual parent orientation/open house at least twice per year.
Utilizes the assistance of the Family Support Staff Mental Health Consultant and other professionals to assist and refer parents to community resources.
Conducts and participates in home visits twice per year during designated timeframes.
Participates in agency outreach and recruitment events including evenings and weekends.
Participates in supervision meetings and relevant workshops within the center and externally (when applicable).
Engages in civic-engagement activities that advance Breakthroughs mission.
Assists center personnel in planning special events and other enrichment activities.
Attends and engages in professional development opportunities such as staff meetings in-service trainings and conferences. Participates in at least 20 hours of professional development annually.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Demonstrated Values

Independently follows Breakthrough Beginners policy and procedures.
Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines.
Identifies and resolves difficult issues.
Maintains a professional appearance at all times demonstrating appropriate hygiene and grooming.
Promotes customer care through all actions and behaviors.
Works effectively with diverse staff communities and population served.
Maintains a high degree of sensitivity tact and diplomacy during stressful situations.
Demonstrates a strong commitment to Breakthroughs mission.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in early childhood education required PEL required
Gateways ECE Credential Level 5 required
One (1) year previous direct early childhood classroom experience OR 1-2 years related experience
Experience with multi-cultural programming preferred.
Excellent interpersonal communication and organization skills.
Ability to pass a criminal record and child abuse/neglect registry check.
Must be able to lift up to 50lbs (average childs weight).

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Communicates effectively both orally and in writing. Interpret and explain policies procedures and relevant laws.

Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills professionalism and problem-solving skills.
Ability to display a warm supportive attitude toward all people
Ability to demonstrate initiative and follow-through and be comfortable working in a changing environment
Demonstrates a willingness to consistently improve work performance through relationships and guidance.
Maintain a high degree of sensitivity tact and diplomacy during stressful situations.
Maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
Ability to create and maintain collegial harmonious working relationships with others.

SUPERVISION

Does not supervise any employees.
Direction received from Director Breakthrough Beginners

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job the employee will work in a multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects tools or controls reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend stoop pull lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Equipment Used

The employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to telephone computer calculator copier overhead projector paper shredder paper cutter and filing systems.

Safety Requirements

Prior to the first day of work must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance

BENEFITS

Medical -We offer group medical benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO plans. Depending on the plan you choose there may be no cost for an employee single coverage. There is a cost per pay period for coverage for family (i.e. employee plus spouse; employee plus child(ren) or employee plus spouse and child(ren).
Dental-We offer group dental benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO. This is an employee paid benefit.
Vision - We offer group vision benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. This is an employee paid benefit.
Life-Through UnitedHealthcare we offer full-time employees term life insurance to the employees family in case of death. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
Short and long-term disability -If you become disabled UnitedHealthcare provides both short-term and long-term disability insurance to full-time employees. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
401 (k) Plan -We offer a 401(k) plan which is a tax-deferred annuity to assist full-time employees in planning for retirement. We match 50% of your contribution up to a total of 3% of your base salary.
Section 125 Plan (FSA)-Through TASC we allow full-time employees to make contributions toward premiums for medical insurance out-of-pocket medical expenses dependent care expenses and/or transit and parking on a before tax rather than an after tax basis.
Vacation Days -Full-time employees in this position are eligible to accrue vacation days at a rate of 6.67 13.33 days per month based on tenure with the organization.
Personal Days -Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 3 personal days annually pro-rated in year one.
Sick Days -Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 10 sick days annually pro-rated in year one.

A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and requirements are essential job functions. All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves other employees or individuals served.

This description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by the supervisor.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitude to perform each duty proficiently. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise other than an at will employment relationship.

To Apply: Go to regret that we cannot take phone calls regarding this position. Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race color sex national origin age disability marital status veteran status political affiliation sexual orientation or any other non-merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process please contact us at The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

COMPENSATION

$60000-$65000/annually

Required Experience:

Job Title:Preschool Lead TeacherReports to: Breakthrough Beginners DirectorFLSA Code: Full time Exempt with benefitsHours: 40-hour workweekProgram Area: Breakthrough Youth Network (BYN)Location: FamilyPlex 3219 W. Carroll Chicago IL 60624POSITION SUMMARYThe Preschool Lead Teacher serves within the B...