At Easterseals of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, we are committed to two – often interconnecting - pillars of work……early learning and disability. Through these pillars, we transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit healthcare organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford since 1936. 

For more information about our organization, please visit us online at www.eastersealschicago.org.

Under the direction of the Instructional Coordinator the Head Start PEL Teacher supports Early Learning Services sites throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs by providing early care and education to children in the classroom ages three to five years; serving as a co-teacher and facilitator of the classroom teaching team; create an environment that is engaging and stimulating; recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and society. 

Position assignment requires Preschool for All/Head Start teachers to be assigned to one to two classrooms per day at privately owned childcare partners of Easterseals. The position requires traveling to another classroom/site daily.

This role is ideal for someone who has respect for children and families with diverse values and cultures and is passionate about supporting learning environments and opportunities that are designed to help children develop physically, socially, cognitively, and emotionally and ensuring that parents are supported in their role as the child's primary teachers.

This position is headquartered at Easterseals Chicago Location at 1939 W 13th Street, Chicago, IL 60608.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Implement the Head Start/ Preschool program model within classrooms.
• Serve as a leader for the classroom team and provide guidance.
• Ensure the implementation of developmentally appropriate practice within the classroom, including utilizing materials and studies from the Creative Curriculum.
• Co-facilitate with the classroom teaching team to create an inclusive environment where children can learn and be involved in all activities.
• Facilitate with the classroom teaching team the creation and implementation of group lesson plans.
• Research new ideas, methods, resources, and materials for lesson plans.
• Ensure that all children within the classroom have sufficient, high-quality observations, and maintain up-to-date documentation in Child Plus, Teaching Strategies GOLD, child education files, and child portfolios.
• Provide a safe environment for children at all times by implementing active supervision practices.
• Implement screenings and assessments and reporting of outcomes for children.
• Communicate with parents/families and report child progress through scheduled parent-teacher conferences and home visits.
• Initiate referrals for children who might benefit from further evaluation.
• Participate in the referral process by documenting observations and interventions attempted in the classroom. 
• Participate in Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings.
• Work closely with consultants and other Easterseals personnel.
• Individualize for all children, including children with diagnosed disabilities.
• Support social-emotional development through the use of the pyramid model. 
• Utilize data from child outcomes, screenings, and IEPs to guide lesson planning for individual children and for the group.
• Maintain care of classroom equipment and supplies, control inventory, and report all repairs needed.
• Promote an atmosphere of teamwork where staff, parents, and children interact positively with each other.
• Participate in all required and recommended trainings, including Teaching Strategies GOLD, Creative Curriculum, and CLASS training.
• Participate in all required and recommended meetings.
• Support agency’s School Readiness goals and track progress towards goals.
• Train and participate in evaluations for the classroom team.
• Complete an ongoing professional development plan.
• Participate in Coaching to Fidelity.
• Prepare reports on classroom activities, including attendance records.
• Travel to partner site locations as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or in another field with at least 30 semester credit hours in ECE required.
• Professional Educator License (PEL) with Early Childhood Education endorsement.
• Gateways Level 5 ECE Credential

Experience Requirements:

• 1-2 years of early childhood classroom experience.
• 1 year of experience in serving culturally and linguistically diverse children in early childhood settings.

Required Knowledge:

• Microsoft Office Suite or related software including Microsoft Teams.
• Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Head Start Performance Standards.
• ISBE/PFA
• 1 year of experience in serving culturally and linguistically diverse children in early childhood settings.
• First Aid/CPR certifications within 90 days of hire.

Vehicle/Transportation Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license
• Auto insurance
• Reliable vehicle

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task in a high-stress environment. 
• Ability to interact with diverse personalities.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Basic computer knowledge including Microsoft Office programs.
• Completion of a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education per year.
• Willing to work flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the families.

ADA: Easterseals will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990. Unless exempted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons hired for this position are required to possess the ability to perform the physical tasks necessary to treat clients, i.e., bending, floor-sitting, etc., as well as to have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.

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