Teacher (Birth To 3) - Child Development Center

TEACHER (BIRTH TO 3), CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - FULL-TIME
TRUMAN COLLEGE

Truman College is expanding our Child Development Center and seeks a Teacher (Birth to 3). Under the direction of the Director – Child Development Center, the Teacher (Birth to 3) leads the classroom team in maintaining a nurturing classroom environment that offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum meeting the needs of the individual children and families in their classroom and is aligned with the educational and philosophical goals of the program. In addition, the teacher provides supervision and mentoring to Birth to 3 – Teacher II, Teacher Assistants, Aides and practicum students in the classroom. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adheres to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, demonstrating a professional attitude and work ethic. Demonstrates respect for children, families, and colleagues at all times.
• Develops and implements a child-centered, play-based curriculum that provides for a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to promote children’s development in the areas of language and literacy, cognition, social-emotional well-being, and physical health. This should be done with consideration of the Center’s goals, educational philosophy, curriculum plans, and grant and licensing requirements.
• Using the program curriculum, conducts authentic assessments throughout the year and provides ongoing assessments to support child development and learning.  
• Provides a nurturing, stimulating, non-punitive, and culturally sensitive environment that encourages language, self-expression, exploration, creativity, imaginative play, thinking skills, and the development of positive relationships.
• Provides a safe, healthy environment for children, ensuring attention to classroom health, hygiene, nutrition, and safety. This includes maintaining a clean and orderly environment for the children; ensuring children attend to personal hygiene/hand washing; teaching children about health and nutrition; reporting accidents, injuries, and illnesses to parents and supervisors; and maintaining constant supervision of children.
• Ensures that classroom team and curriculum adheres to licensing, accreditation, and funder standards and regulations. May also include completion of paperwork, files, and documentation to comply with regulations.
• Oversees and participates in the completion of required paperwork, logs, and records, as well as documentation to assess individual children and the class as a whole.
• Supervises Birth-3-Teacher II, teacher assistants, student teachers, work-study students, and volunteers in the classroom.
• Ensures the parents are greeted warmly and receive information about their child’s experience at the center through daily contact, scheduled conferences, and written documentation as required. 
• Participates in center staff meetings, offering information that may be of benefit to other teachers and assistants. May be asked to share information from their own professional development with other staff. 
• Implements team meetings with classroom staff to discuss curriculum, classroom and center issues, individualization of the curriculum for all children, addressing student needs, etc.
• Supervises and mentors practicum students throughout the experience, including involvement with the development and implementation of lesson plans, interactions with the children, and discussions with the practicum supervisor about practicum requirements, expectations and student performance.
• Adheres to requirements put forth by funding, licensing, and accreditation agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or a related field, plus two (2) years of experience working with children in a preschool setting. Master’s Degree preferred. 
• Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential, Level 5. 
• Certified CLASS Pre-K and Toddler Observer within 12 months of hire, including annual renewal.
• Need to have or attain the CLASS Certified Assessor, complete the Creative Curriculum-Coaching to Fidelity Training, TS GOLD Interrater Reliability certification. 
• Must have and maintain a warm, supportive attitude towards children and their families.
• Should be able to demonstrate the ability to create developmentally appropriate lessons, interact positively with children and other staff, in particular practicum students, and understand and attend to the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional needs of the children.  
• Must be able to lead a team, coach personal, and manage the classroom environment and requirements.
• Must be willing to accept supervision and continue professional development in the field in order to improve work performance.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with children, parents, and other staff members, as well as for documenting children’s growth and learning. 
• Must be flexible in receiving assignments and adapting to changes in the program. Must be willing to participate in quality enhancement initiatives that the center may undertake.
• Must be able to work well within a culturally diverse environment with the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to operate computers and use applicable software required.

WE OFFER: Excellent benefit package includes health insurance, investment programs, pension plan, generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website. 

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within six months of hire. 
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.   
Thank you for your interest in CCC.