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Mary Crane Center

Lead Head Start Teacher

Mary Crane Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

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Lead Head Start Teacher

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Mary Crane Center

Inspire Learning. Nurture Growth. Build Futures. Do you believe every child deserves a strong start? Are you passionate about creating safe, engaging classrooms where children can explore, learn, and develop? If so, we’d love to welcome you to our team as a Lead Teacher in our Head Start program.

Job Type

Full-time

Overview As a Lead Teacher, you’ll design and implement developmentally appropriate lessons that support children’s intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. You’ll foster strong family partnerships, encourage parent involvement, and help prepare children for lifelong success in school and beyond. New hires are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus.

What You’ll Do

Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons aligned with Head Start, NAEYC, and Creative Curriculum standards

Model positive behavior and use effective guidance techniques

Supervise and engage with children throughout daily routines and transitions

Promote family-style dining and healthy habits

Ensure a safe and supportive learning environment at all times

Assess and Document Learning: Conduct regular assessments using tools like ESI-R, Creative Curriculum Checklists, and Ages & Stages Questionnaires

Maintain detailed anecdotal records, portfolios, and documentation panels

Prepare and organize materials and coordinate enriching field trips

Engage Families: Communicate regularly with families through conferences, home visits, and daily updates

Encourage family involvement in classroom and program activities

Advocate for children and families, connecting them to community resources

Lead and Collaborate: Supervise assistant teachers, aides, and volunteers, providing guidance and feedback

Participate in team meetings, trainings, and agency committees

Collaborate with Site Director, Education Coordinators, and Head Start staff on program quality and curriculum planning

Maintain the Environment: Keep classrooms clean, organized, and stimulating

Sanitize toys, equipment, and surfaces routinely

Monitor and maintain classroom supplies and safety

Requirements Education & Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education from an accredited college or university

Gateways ECE Credential Level 5 and Registered Professional Educator License (PEL) with Early Childhood Endorsement, OR Bachelor’s Degree plus alternative certification

Skills & Qualifications

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism

Strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills

Collaborative team player committed to quality early childhood education

Computer proficiency for documentation and communication

Bilingual Spanish preferred

Physical & Work Environment

Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and perform physical activities such as bending, kneeling, and reaching

Comfortable working in a busy, child-focused environment with moderate to high noise levels

Travel between multiple agency sites for meetings, trainings, and classroom support as needed

Compensation & Benefits Mary Crane Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance (HMO, PPO, and DPPO options available), paid time off, and other employee wellness programs. Eligibility varies by position and hours worked. Additional benefit details will be provided during the hiring process.

EEO & Accommodations We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law. To request accommodations, please contact 773-242-2881 x1004.

Salary $62,000.00 to $67,000.00

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