Since 1870, Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities.
Erie Neighborhood House, a progressive social service agency serving the Chicago metropolitan area and dedicated to promoting a just and inclusive society, is seeking a Lead Toddler Teacher to work in our NAEYC accredited Childcare Program.
In return to your commitment to Erie House and its mission to the community, you will enjoy excellent professional development opportunities, opportunity for growth, and have direct impact in building powerful communities. Be a part of one of the oldest and most respected Settlement House in the Chicago Land Area.
Reporting to the Site Director, the Lead Toddler Teacher’s basic function is to lead the classroom team in the education, care and general development of the children following DCFS licensing, Early Head Start and NAEYC standards.
Position Responsibilities

• The Lead Toddler Teacher is responsible for partnering with the Assistant Toddler Teacher(s) to create and implement developmentally and culturally appropriate lesson plans for the classroom
• Working alongside the Site Director, the Lead Teacher will provide discipline and feedback performance review for the Assistant Teacher.
• Completes all developmental and social emotional screenings in accordance with Early Head Start timelines
• Assumes primary care responsibilities for four children in the classroom
• Welcomes children and parents into the classroom and works to develop a positive relationship
• Promotes recognition, acceptance, and positive interactions among children, families and staff in the classroom
• Uses active supervision techniques to supervise children at all times
• Acts as an ambassador for the Erie Neighborhood House Child Care program
• Participates in recruitment of children and families for Erie House programs
• Acts as Director Designee for center as assigned
• Opens/closes the classroom for the day as assigned
• Remains in the classroom to supervise children whose parents pick up late as needed
• Inputs child observations into My Teaching Strategies on a weekly basis
• Completes My Teaching Strategies checkpoints according to education timeline
• Completes two home visits per child per year according to the education timeline
• Completes parent teacher conferences according to the education timeline
• Meets with Assistant Toddler Teacher(s) on a monthly basis to provide supervision and support and to discuss classroom concerns
• Meets with Family Advocate(s) quarterly to discuss strengths and needs of families
• Participates in transition meetings
• Assures compliance with all Early Head Start performance standards
• Maintains current Illinois Gateways Registry membership
• Maintains five hours of Gateways approved training per program year
• Completes 20 hours of professional development training per program year
• Responsible for the program complying with Erie, the Board of Education and all State licensing requirements and performance standards, including promoting the health and safety of all children, following sanitation procedures and universal precautions, completing a bi-annual physical exam, complying with the Confidentiality and Child Abuse and Neglect Act as a mandated reporter, as well as the American with Disabilities Act and Erie’s Inclusion Policy
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• AA in ECE
• Must Obtain a Level 4 Gateway Credential by 2024
• 2-3 years’ experience working in a nursery or licensed daycare
• Must be able to sit on the floor for extended periods of time
• Bilingual/bicultural Spanish preferred
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Physical constraints required include, but not limited to, the ability to lift and carry children and other items weighing up to 50 pounds including evacuation of the building during emergencies.
• Demonstrates the following qualities: self-motivated, self-directed, follows directions, makes good judgments, creative, reliable, and dependable.
• Exhibits sincere interest in working with children and is knowledgeable regarding children's development and growth.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Upon offer of employment, must complete all forms related to hiring, including Erie’s application and employment status and 3 letters of recommendation. In addition, must complete all DCFS forms, including a Criminal Background Check, Fingerprinting and a Child Abuse and Neglect Background Check.

Team Member Benefits

• Compensation of $37,000 - $37,500 salary ($17.78 - $$18.02 an hour) based on experience.
• Work / life integration
• Generous paid time off (examples below for full-time employment)
• 12 accrued sick days per year
• 3 personal days
• Paid birthday off
• 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth
• In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
• Vacation
• Year 1 = 8 days
• Year 2 = 13 days
• Year 3 = 20 days
• Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible
• Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees
• Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave
• Professional Development
• Employer-sponsored learning and development programs
• Paid day off annually for personal professional development
• Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows
• DEI Council-sponsored education and engagement series
• Wellness support
• Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary life and AD&D and short and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care
• 403b with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Yoga, Zumba and Book Club, when onsite

CBU STATUS: Union / Non-Exempt $500 Hiring Incentive upon hire and another $500 upon completion of 90 daysErie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us at hr@eriehouse.org.
NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!
MUST BE A MEMBER OF AFSCME OR JOIN AFTER 30 DAYS
ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ACCREDITED BY NAEYC & NATIONAL AFTER SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
RECOGNIZED BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE;
UNITED WAY MEMBER
About Erie Neighborhood HouseSince 1870, Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children & youth, mental health & community wellness, adult education & training, legal services, and more.