Early Childhood Educator Job in Palatine, Illinois

Be a part of our mission. The mission of the YMCA of Metro Chicago is to develop strong children, families and communities across Metropolitan Chicago through academic readiness, character development, violence prevention, fitness and healthy living. We rely on the expertise, passion, commitment and energy of our teachers and other team members to help us achieve our mission one child, one family, and one team member at a time. Our early learning create a child-centered environment that promotes learning, character development, healthy living and positive, nurturing relationships. With a commitment to meeting accreditation standards and extensive training and development in research-based practices, you’ll also learn and grow and positively impact our children, families and communities. Job Summary: The Lead Teacher provides effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation and related research for our children.This role ensures that we are meeting the individual needs of the children as mandated by DCFS, ExceleRate Illinois, NAEYC, federal, state and local standards, and YMCA standards and policies, as applicable. Scope of Responsibilities: Promotes and models high quality teaching and learning in the classroom that fosters academic readiness. Models appropriate language, interactions, positive behavior and guidance strategies to ensure high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that promotes academic readiness. Demonstrates culturally and linguistically appropriate practices that values all children and families and makes them feel welcomed and an essential part of the progra. Demonstrates enthusiasm and interpersonal skills in order to relate well with children, parents, co-workers, administrators and the community. Communicates and develops effective partnerships with parents and families, encouraging parent involvement through a variety of methods (i.e., newsletters, calendars, emails, phone calls, and bulletin boards). Schedules and conducts at least two parent/teacher conferences per program year. Provides opportunities for parent participation in classroom activities and parent/child activities at home Completes at least thirty clock hours of professional development annually, through participation in offered trainings, workshops, in-service days, all staff conferences; and maintain log of professional development requirements in the Gateway registry system. Utilizes continuous quality improvement (CQI) strategies to improve the classroom experience for children and families. Participates and supports agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance and retention of families. Supports the YMCA’s mission and center operations as needed. Child Abuse Prevention: Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by: Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor Completing all child abuse prevention training as required Requirements: Associate’s Degree or equivalent in Early Childhood Education or related degree with the ability to obtain 21 semester hours of relevant coursework in early childhood education or child development by July 1, 2017. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Early Childhood Education and/or Type 04 Teacher Certification is a plus. ExceleRate Illinois Level 4 or 5 ECE Credential highly preferred. Experience working with 3-4 year olds Passion for and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and serving the needs of children and families Demonstrated knowledge and ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices to promote early learning and social-emotional development Ability to apply early learning best practices to create a child-centered, supportive, inclusive and positive classroom environment to meet the needs of diverse children. Knowledge of how to design and implement the Creative Curriculum and other high quality curriculum approaches preferred. Apply for this job online Refer this job to a friend Share on your newsfeed We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to a background check.