Head Start Lead Teacher for the 26/27 School Year (Start date August 2026)

Job Title: Head Start Lead Teacher

Agency: Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency (NICAA) – Freeport, IL

Job Type: Full-Time (Part-Year) | Hourly | Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday – Friday | 37.5 hours/week

Location: On-site / In-person

Reports to: Education Manager

Supervises: Classroom Teaching Team (Assistants, Aides, Volunteers)

Make a Lasting Impact as a Head Start Lead Teacher!

NICAA’s Head Start program is seeking a dynamic Lead Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and leadership. This role combines hands-on classroom teaching with staff supervision and curriculum planning, ensuring high-quality learning environments that promote school readiness for children ages 3–5.

As a Lead Teacher, you’ll not only implement developmentally appropriate curriculum but also mentor and guide a classroom team, all while upholding Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), DCFS licensing, and NICAA’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Plan and deliver engaging, individualized lesson plans using Creative Curriculum
• Integrate Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals into classroom routines and small group activities
• Conduct assessments and maintain documentation in Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG)
• Foster an inclusive, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
• Lead classroom transitions, daily routines, and health & safety practices
• Maintain communication with families via home visits, conferences, and daily interactions

Team Supervision & Coaching

• Provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to the classroom team
• Delegate responsibilities and ensure team accountability
• Lead weekly classroom team meetings and submit required documentation
• Model best practices in early learning and positive guidance
• Address staff performance issues and communicate concerns to supervisors
• Coordinate with Education Manager and other specialists for support and resources

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with HSPPS, DCFS regulations, USDA guidelines, and internal policies
• Complete and submit accurate child files, attendance, referrals, reports, and lesson plans
• Participate in program audits, monitoring, self-assessments, and emergency drills
• Follow NICAA procedures related to referrals, family services, and data tracking

Classroom Environment & Safety

• Maintain cleanliness and safety of the classroom and playground.
• Conduct and document safety, health, and emergency preparedness checks.
• Participate in fire/emergency drills and follow DCFS and Head Start guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing and program standards.

Family & Community Engagement

• Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences
• Facilitate parent training and family involvement in classroom activities
• Build relationships with families and support the Family Partnership Agreement process
• Encourage and document parent participation and child progress

Required Qualifications

Education

• Required:
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
• OR a degree in Education with Illinois Pre-K Certification
• Preferred:
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Experience

• Minimum 1 year teaching in a licensed early childhood setting
• Previous Head Start or public pre-K experience strongly preferred

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and reliable transportation
• Pass DCFS and federal background checks
• Proof of recent physical, TB test, MMR, and Tdap vaccinations
• Must obtain/maintain First Aid and CPR certification (Provided through the Agency)
• Ability to lift 55 lbs. and perform physical duties such as squatting, kneeling, and sitting on the floor

Physical & Work Environment

• Indoor/outdoor classroom environments; exposure to illness/bodily fluids possible
• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, and active play with children
• Occasional travel for training, home visits, and community events

Professional Development

• Complete at least 15 clock hours of training annually
• Attend staff meetings, workshops, and agency-wide professional development
• Participate in coaching and performance evaluation

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.50 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Freeport, IL 61032 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Freeport, IL 61032: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $22