Managing Associate Teacher

Under the direction of the Director and Assistant Director, assists in overseeing and directing the planning, organizing, and implementation of education services for children, in addition to full-time classroom teacher duties, which includes developing and implementing individual educational plans for children.

A. Classification: Exempt
B. Reports to Early Learning Site Director or Early Learning Assistant Site Director
C. Programs & Impact

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MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS

1. Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and the component plans; and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices;
2. Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom;
3. Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the program, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children;
4. Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child’s work, and a developmental assessment.
5. Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child’s individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations;
6. Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices;
7. Collaborate with family support staff to exchange information pertinent to the identification and services of children with disabilities;
8. Collaborate with the mental health director to discuss mental health needs of children;
9. Guide children’s acquisition of social skills;
10. Attend staff training and meetings, and board and parent meetings as requested;
11. Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment. Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored;
12. Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe;
13. Assist in conducting the daily health and environment checklist;
14. Assist in implementing children’s I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) or I.F.S.P. (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood;
15. Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed,
16. Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, time sheets, meal reports etc.;
17. Oversight:
    1. Supervisory responsibility of teacher assistant and aide. This responsibility includes but is not limited to all functions of reflective supervision and staff evaluation, mentorship, and coaching.
    2. Review teacher assistant and aide contributions to lesson plans, schedules, room arrangements and portfolio assessments to assure their accordance with requirements;
    3. Actively participate in the development and implementation of the teacher assistant and aide professional development plan;
    4. Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained; and
    5. Perform other duties, as may be required.

Follows procedures as required by licensing and funding agencies (including but not limited to Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards, City of Chicago Health Requirements for Day Care Centers, Head Start Performance Standards, Chicago Public School requirements, Carole Robertson Center for Learning Policies and Procedures and quality standards as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children)

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION

• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or child development and A Level 5 ECE and IT credential; or
• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in education and a Level 5 ECE and IT credential with an Illinois Pre-K certification;
• Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, and bilingual education;
• Proof of a physical examination within the last six months, which includes a tuberculosis test, and comply with other background checks as required by the Agency and/or DCFS licensing;
• Personal qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers, emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities; and
• An education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education of their children.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Requires ability to use abstract reasoning, problem solving, planning, and analytical skills in: Training, evaluation, and program development;
• Requires effective interpersonal and oral communication skills for supervisory duties;
• Requires effective writing and oral communication skills to conduct meetings and to prepare reports that are clear, complete, comprehensive, and use good grammar and punctuation;
• Requires proficient use of technology, Microsoft word, Outlook, and the ability to acclimate to online portal usage for recording observations, assessments, and lesson planning.
• Successful experience working in a team setting,
• Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community;
• Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if need;
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorder;
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds;
• Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and clients.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues;
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases;
• Job requires sitting for long period of time (during planning and reporting) and standing for long periods of time (during work with children, observations, and training), as well as stooping, squatting, and running.

Carole Robertson Center for Learning is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. Carole Robertson Center for Learning evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally protected characteristics.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should
call (312) 243-7300 ext. 226 with their request.

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