Description:
Charities, Diocese of Joliet offers 41 paid days off per year, excellent medical benefits, and an employer-sponsored 403b plan that requires no contribution from employee. We prioritize your well-being and financial security.
Discover the unique rewards of working in a Head Start program, where you can ignite young minds and provide comprehensive early childhood education that sets the stage for lifelong success.
By joining Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Head Start, you will make a lasting impact on children's lives and have the opportunity to support and uplift families by empowering them to thrive and create a brighter future for themselves and their children.
Apply now so we can make a lasting impact together!
General Responsibilities
- Responsible for adhering to the guidelines of Health and Human Services Head Start Performance Standards related to Early Childhood Services in conjunction with State Licensing Standards.
- In the absence of the Site Supervisor, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the center as the delegate, when requested.
- Programmatic recruitment will take place throughout the community as specified and designated.
- Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.
Essentials Functions
- Ensures that the children are actively supervised at all times. Following the Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Licensing Standards.
- Ensures that a variety of materials are kept safe and rotated frequently; with children’s materials separate from teacher supplies. In addition, maintain inventory of supplies and equipment, and submit requisition needs to site supervisor for approval.
- Cooperates with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
- Participates in the Case Management Staffing with prepared notes from observations and assessments of children.
- Develops individualized goals for children in collaboration with Associate Teacher(s)/Teacher Assistant(s) and parents that are updated monthly.
- Maintains a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including daily/weekly observations in each developmental area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment that is completed on an ongoing basis throughout the program year.
- Facilitates weekly intentional planning meetings with teaching team. Include individual child goals, goals from child’s Individual Education Plan/Individual Family Service Plan (IEP/IFSP) for children with disabilities, program standards and goals from children’s learning as described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, child data, intentional interactions, parental insights, and meaningful teaching practices.
- Implements children's IEP or IFSP seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood.
- Completes at minimum, two home visits and two parent teacher conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations as a method of keeping the parents engaged in their child’s development.
- Provides social and emotional support to children in an organized classroom inclusive of intentional teacher-child interactions. (Specific behaviors as described in the Classroom Assessment Scoring System CLASS)
- Conducts screenings for all children within forty-five (45) days of the program year. Provide follow-up screenings and/or referrals as needed.
- Responsible for referral of behavioral, health, education, mental health and social service concerns to appropriate content area staff member.
- Implements the elements of the programs researched-based curriculum by providing fun learning experiences that encourages decision-making, cultural awareness, and exploration.
- Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
- Is a team member and effective role model, sets up written systems for sharing responsibilities: hold daily team meetings and share information.
- Completes and submits required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, time sheets, and meal reports etc. Ensuring that child education files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained.
Great Employer Provided Benefits
- Work/Life Balance Time-off: 14 Holidays - 15 Days’ Vacation -12 Sick Days
- Medical/Dental/Vision Health Insurances
- Flexible Spending Account
- Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
- 403B Retirement Plan with employer contributions
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Short-term Disability Insurance
Requirements:
- Associate's degree in early childhood education or related field is required for this position. Thirty-six hours (36) or more of college credits in early childhood education is required if the degree is in related field. All degrees must come from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.
- A minimum of 5-8 years’ experience working with young children and families in a childcare setting.
- At least nineteen (19) years of age.
- Obtain and maintain the minimum of the Illinois Gateway ECE Credential Level 4 within six (6) months to 1 year of employment.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to English language acquisition.
- Demonstrate the skill and competence to meet personnel qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
- Strong verbal and written communications skills.
- Passage of complete background clearance, physical and Tuberculosis (TB) Test.
- A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.
