Infant Toddler Specialist

About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV)

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) is a beacon for educating and uplifting Black children and families across Chicago. We provide a culturally responsive, social justice–centered education that empowers students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and changemakers.

At ITAV, learning is joyful and transformative, teaching is innovative, and classrooms extend far beyond four walls. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—while building strong, connected communities.

Position Overview

We are seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Infant Toddler Specialist to support instructional quality, compliance, and child development outcomes across our infant and toddler classrooms. This role serves as a coach, mentor, and content expert for teaching staff while ensuring classrooms maintain high-quality learning environments aligned with licensing, funding, and program standards.

The Infant Toddler Specialist plays a critical leadership role in supporting teachers, strengthening family partnerships, and promoting developmentally appropriate practices for infants, toddlers, and twos programs.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Coaching & Teacher Support

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and technical assistance to infant and toddler teaching staff
• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide actionable feedback to educators
• Lead monthly meetings with teaching staff to review lesson planning, classroom environment, child development, and professional growth
• Support teachers in implementing individualized instruction and developmentally appropriate practices

Curriculum & Child Development

• Ensure implementation and compliance with approved infant/toddler curricula and assessment tools
• Review lesson plans regularly to ensure alignment with developmental goals and individualized learning needs
• Support implementation of IFSP goals and individualized learning strategies
• Train staff on Teaching Strategies Gold, ASQ, ASQ-SE, and other assessment tools
• Monitor developmental screenings, assessments, and checkpoints to ensure completion and accuracy

Professional Development & Staff Growth

• Coordinate and facilitate professional development opportunities for infant/toddler staff
• Support staff in maintaining Gateways Registry compliance and professional development documentation
• Develop and implement onsite trainings to strengthen instructional practices
• Stay informed on current infant/toddler research, best practices, and licensing standards

Compliance, Health & Safety

• Ensure classrooms maintain compliance with DCFS Licensing Standards, program requirements, and health and safety expectations
• Observe classroom environments to ensure safety, cleanliness, and appropriate sanitation practices
• Support maintenance of classroom binders and required documentation
• Assist with classroom ratios and coverage as needed

Family & Community Engagement

• Foster collaboration between families, teachers, and support staff
• Support parent-teacher conferences, family engagement events, and family meetings
• Provide families with information and feedback related to child development and classroom progress
• Participate in family support meetings and community engagement initiatives

Program Evaluation & Operational Support

• Support completion of program quality assessments, including ITERS and other monitoring tools
• Assist with implementation of site-wide improvement and professional development plans
• Support the Site Director with staffing, classroom operations, and continuity of care planning
• Submit required reports and maintain accurate program documentation
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support site and organizational needs

Why Join ITAV?

Make an Impact : Support the development of infants and toddlers during the most critical years of learning and growth

Grow Your Career: Access leadership opportunities, coaching experience, and ongoing professional development

Be in Community: Join a mission-driven team committed to equity, excellence, and culturally responsive education

Innovate in Education: Help shape high-quality infant and toddler programming grounded in best practices and family partnership

Position Details

• Location: ITAV Early Learning Center, Humboldt Park (Chicago, IL)
• Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position
• Salary Range: $57,500 – $73,158
• Grant Funded
  • This position is supported through grant-funded programs that are integral to ITAV’s early childhood education model. These funding streams enable us to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive care and learning across our communities.

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Gateways Infant Toddler Credential Level 5
• Minimum 2 years of early childhood experience

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Level I Director Credential
• Experience with Head Start, CACFP, and NAEYC Accreditation
• Strong knowledge of IL DCFS Licensing Standards

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit on the floor for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to actively supervise and engage with children indoors and outdoors
• Ability to respond quickly to children’s needs and emergency situations
• Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness of children at all times
• Ability to meet all health and safety requirements in accordance with DCFS Licensing Standards and ITAV policies

Who You Are

• Child Development Expert: You have deep knowledge of infant and toddler development and best practices
• Instructional Coach: You are skilled in mentoring educators and improving classroom quality
• Relationship-Driven: You build strong partnerships with teachers, families, and support staff
• Organized & Detail-Oriented: You manage compliance, documentation, and program requirements effectively
• Mission-Aligned: You are passionate about equity, family partnership, and culturally responsive education

Compensation & Benefits

We believe in investing in our educators through a competitive, transparent compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and long-term success.

• Up to 80% employer-paid medical coverage
• Full benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability
• 3% 401(k) employer match to help you build long-term financial security
• Up to $10,000 annually in tuition assistance to support degree completion and credential advancement
• Robust paid time off,  including 16 PTO days per year, 9 sick/personal days per year, and compensatory time eligible
• 15 paid holidays annually
• Clear pathways for career advancement and leadership opportunities

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are passionate about infant and toddler development and ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Submit your resume and cover letter to join a team that is shaping the future—one child at a time.

Salary : $57,500 - $73,158