We are hiring in Beach Park, IL.

Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

The Preschool Certified Teacher (PEL) works closely with the Education Coordinator to create comprehensive and engaging lesson plans grounded in research-based practices for 3-5 year olds. Your creativity will shine as you tailor individualized lesson plans that cater to the unique needs of each child, ensuring they thrive in a nurturing and developmentally appropriate setting. You will manage daily classroom activities, bringing excitement and energy to every learning experience.

Reporting to the Education Coordinator, you will:

• Classroom Environment: Create a vibrant classroom environment based on ECERS guidelines and integrate CLASS concepts into daily teacher child interactions and routines, aligning with the IELDS/Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Empower Through Guidance: Supervise and guide your Teacher Assistant, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the educational experience for all. Lead Classroom team meetings.
• Collaborate: Work closely with the Education Coordinator and team to develop, maintain and monitor individual child education binders, ensuring all confidential information is protected. Follow Education timeline following program regulations.
• Lesson Planning: Develop lesson plans using researched-based Creative Curriculum with clear goals, objectives, experiences, and outcomes for children, integrating health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent involvement.
• Tailor Learning: Use child assessments, screening results and observation data to design developmentally appropriate experiences that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development for every child.
• Create Lasting Connections: Conduct two parent-teacher conferences and home visits each year, building strong relationships and partnerships with families to support children’s growth.
• Inclusive Practices: Adhere to Individualized Education Programs and Family Service Plans, providing tailored support for every child’s unique journey.
• Champion Diversity: Incorporate children’s interests, cultures, and school readiness goals into individualized and group learning opportunities, celebrating the richness of our community.
• Ensure Safety: Adhere to state licensing standards, Head Start guidelines, and ISBE regulations by implementing active supervision strategies to ensure the safety of all children, ensuring that no child is ever left alone or unattended. Implement positive discipline guidance in the classroom to create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages positive interactions.
• Monitor Progress: Observe and document each child’s health, skills, and development, facilitating curriculum planning sessions to set clear learning goals based on your findings. Maintain Education binders following the timeline.
• Collaborative Team Environment: Actively contribute to creating a positive classroom atmosphere where all team members including teacher assistants and teacher aide support one another, share best practices, and work together to uphold the organization’s core values. You may also be assigned to other tasks as needed all in effort to ensure smooth running of our classroom operation.
• Stay Compliant: Adhere to all Head Start/Preschool For All regulations, DCFS State licensing Standards, Standards of Conduct and Start Early philosophy, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. Manage responsibilities about daily attendance, parent sign-in and complete meal participation reports.
• Recruitment Efforts: Take part in recruitment activities to maintain full enrollment in the program, engaging with families in the community to spread awareness about the benefits of our program offerings.
• Training and Professional Development: Take part in continuous professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in supporting children’s school readiness goals. This includes ongoing reflective supervision, all staff meetings, cohorts, pre-service training and other required training sessions during professional development days.
• Perform other duties as assigned, adhering to all relevant regulations and agency policies.

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or child development, or in another related field with at least 30 hours in ECE

OR

• Masters degree in early childhood education or child development, or in another related field with at least 30 hours in ECE
• Professional Educator License (PEL) with ECE Endorsement and Illinois Gateways ECE Credential Level 5, Food Handler Certification, First Aid and CPR preferred.
• A minimum of two years of experience in an early childhood setting, ideally with knowledge of Head Start/Preschool for All programs.
• Preferred knowledge Creative Curriculum, Coaching to Fidelity, Teaching Strategies GOLD, ECERS and CLASS and Child Developmentally screening and assessment tools.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with children and families from diverse backgrounds.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Base Annual Salary: $56,318.00-$66,067.00 +$5,000 Sign On Bonus

We believe that all employees should be paid fairly. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.