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Early Head Start Lead Teacher

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 8/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/7/2026

Job Title: Early Head Start Lead Teacher  

Report to: Director of Early Childhood Education

Compensation: $42,000 to $45,000

Status: Full time (Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 5pm, Year-round)

Location: Chicago, IL 

 

Northwestern University Settlement seeks a dedicated professional with an appreciation for its mission. The Early Head Start Teacher will, Under the general supervision of the Head Start Site Director this position is responsible for contributing to the development and implementation of an education plan that is designed to meet the needs of each individual child enrolled in the program in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAEYC Standards, and Community Partnership CPS. The Lead Early Head Start Teacher will develop and implement an educational plan using Teaching Strategies Gold, and The Creative Curriculum System for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos.

 

Key Duties/Responsibilities

  • Lead children in the daily educational plan in which they can develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially
  • Create a creative curriculum for infants, toddlers, and twos in the classroom that meets individual child needs 
  • Provide a learning environment that is developmentally and culturally appropriate 
  • Prepare individualized Family Service Plan through performance assessments
  • Attend staff development training, workshops, and conferences.
  • In addition to the duties expressly provided above, the  Early Head Start Teacher shall from time to time perform such other duties and functions as assigned by their direct supervisor.

Ideal Skills/Traits

  • Excellent communication and writing skills
  • Ability to relate to our multicultural community
  • Excellent punctuality and attendance
  • Bilingual in English/Spanish required

Education/Experience

  • Bachelors Degree or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development or Child Development 
  • Previous experience working with young children in a daycare, preschool, or other educational setting is highly preferred.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • A nurturing, patient, and flexible approach when working with children.
  • Ability to follow directions and take initiative when needed.
  • Knowledge of child development and early childhood education principles.
  • CPR/First Aid certification (or the ability to obtain within the first 3 months of employment).
  • Background check and fingerprinting required.
  • American Red Cross First Aid/CPR Certification

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. We offer a robust health benefits package. In addition, all staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated workspace, laptop, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.

 

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Northwestern Settlement is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic or classification protected by law.


 

Qualifications:

 

 

Salary : $42,000 - $45,000

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