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At Chicago Commons, we believe the Reggio-Inspired approach to learning is one that mirrors our values. The Reggio-inspired approach to education is where children, families, and teachers work together to create a dynamic and problem-solving approach to learning. Our teachers aim to empower children to explore and learn in a unique environment that encourages a child's critical thinking and creativity.
Our early childhood program serves as the backbone for many at-risk Chicago communities, including West Humboldt Park, Pilsen, Bronzeville, and New City/Back of the Yards. High rates of poverty and limited educational and economic resources impact these neighborhoods.
The Perks of Working with Us
- Annual Max Salary: $69,000
- Paid Time Off: 22 days
- Sick Days: 12
- Personal Days: 2
- Health and wellness benefits
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Professional Development
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Contributes to the development of the center’s education plan and agency’s child development philosophy and goals.
- Assist in developing a quality program that meets the needs of children, families and staff.
- Ensures compliance with all city, state and federal regulations.
- Assist with the development of site improvement/action plans, as needed.
- Responsible for the management and operation of the site in the Director’s absence.
- Ensure appropriate classroom coverage to maintain required teacher-child ratios.
- Responsible for recruitment, registration and enrollment of eligible children including 10% of children with disabilities at agency sites; maintain at least a 10% waiting list for each site.
- Provide center tours to parents and partners interested in the program.
- Establish positive, professional relationships with Chicago Commons’ staff, the surrounding community, and funders.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with children and families using a strength-based approach that is respectful, supportive, and culturally sensitive.
- Ensures classroom teams are creating an atmosphere in which children develop socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically.
- Assists with team lesson planning and reviews all lesson plans.
- Ensure all social, emotional, developmental, vision and hearing screenings are completed with the 45-day timelines.
- Monitor ongoing observation assessments in Teaching Strategies GOLD and provide feedback to enhance child outcomes.
- Assists teachers in implementing IEPs/IFSPs and in differentiating planning and instruction for all children.
- Oversees site’s efforts for serving children with disabilities including referrals, provider’s observations and required documentation.
- Ensures the Reggio Emilia philosophy is implemented consistently and monitors consistent use of the Studios.
- Monitors education folders for children in assigned classrooms as designated by the Site Director.
- Maintain a quality program that meets NAEYC and Excelerate GOLD requirements.
- Assists with the supervision and training of staff as designated by the Site Director.
- Complete annual performance evaluations for staff as designated by the Site Director.
- Assists with recruiting and hiring qualified staff members.
- Assists with new staff orientation/onboarding.
- Support staff in developing and achieving goals as outlined in professional development planning.
- Assures continuity of care in 0-3 classrooms.
- Assists in planning parent meetings and family events.
- Participates in family meetings, as needed.
- Collaborates with the Site Director to plan field trips and other special events.
- Prepared written reports as requested.
- Assist in working with facilities to ensure the center environment is clean and safe.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Must have deep knowledge of best practices in early education.
- Must have a deep understanding of developmentally appropriate practices in early education.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and manage many projects at once.
- Must have knowledge of supervision and/or supervisory experience.
- Must have the ability to work under stress.
- Must be able to use supervision effectively.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
- Must have outstanding people skills and ability to develop, grow, and maintain relationships with others.
- Must have excellent oral and written skills in English.
- Must be able to take initiative, use sound judgement when making decisions.
- Must be detail-oriented.
- Must be a self-motivated person who can work both individually and on a team.
- Must be able to serve as an advocate for children and families.
- Knowledge of Head Start and Early Head Start, Creative Curriculum, the Reggio Emilia approach, CLASS, and Teaching Strategies GOLD (preferred).
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education, early special education, or child development from birth to age 6. Level 1 Illinois Director Credential or 3 semester hours of college credit in administration, leadership and management
OR
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field w/ 21 credit hours related to early childhood education, early special education, or child development from birth to age 6, teaching experience in an early childhood setting (0-6 years), and a Level 1 Illinois Director Credential or 3 semester hours of college credit in administration, leadership and management.
* Staff responsible for overseeing services for infant toddler programs must have Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential Level 5 or above.
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to read and write English proficiently. Candidates must regularly operate a word-processing system and therefore must be able to read, produce and transmit data on such a system.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Candidates must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and are frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
COMPENSATION:
An attractive and competitive compensation and benefits package will be available commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Chicago Commons is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to $69,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a BA or MA in Early Childhood Education?
Language:
License/Certification:
- Gateways Director Level credential? (Required)
Work Location: In person