Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.

The Early Childhood Teacher is a critical member of the Scott Early Learning Center team, using Head Start, Early Head Start, and Creative Curriculum® to enhance the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of children through play and hands-on experiences. As an Early Childhood Teacher, you will develop individualized lesson plans and meet with parents to support the best outcomes for your students. As an Early Childhood Education Center with NAEYC accreditation and ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation, you’ll be proud to be part of the Scott Early Learning Center team, and with our cohesive team style and supportive, high quality supervision, you’ll look forward to coming back each day.

Candidate qualifications:

For Teacher 0-3 year olds:

• Associate's Degree in Child Development or a closely related field with 18+ hours of ECE credits required OR Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and enrollment in a college program in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or closely related field with at least 30 credit hours completed, including 12 hours in Early Childhood Education.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 4 credential within 12 months of employment required.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Level 4 credential within 12 months of employment required.
• A minimum of 1 year experience working with children and/or families required.

For Teacher 3-5 year olds:

• Associate's Degree in Child Development or a closely related field with 18+ hours of ECE credits required OR Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and enrollment in a college program in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or closely related field with at least 30 credit hours completed, including 12 hours in Early Childhood Education.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 4 credential within 12 months of employment required.
• A minimum of 1 year experience working with children and/or families required.

(Candidates without the required degree/credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan).

Job Responsibilities:

• Participates in classroom curriculum implementation to support high quality teaching and learning practices which reflect mandated elements and components, and parental and cultural influences, as well as promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive
  development of children.
• Responsible for the education requirements of children in assigned classroom, including all required screenings.
• Assesses children and evaluates and documents results.
• Works collaboratively with teaching team in establishing the guidelines and goals for the classroom by contributing ideas for lesson plans.
• Conducts small group, large group, and individualized activities.
• Actively supervises and ensures the safety and wellbeing of all children in the indoor and outdoor environments.
• Maintains knowledge of therapeutic and educational approaches in early education.
• Assures that safety rules are observed and guards against harmful situations on field trips, walking trips, and on the playground.
• Prepares supplies and environment for activities.

Job details:

• Compensation: Salary range is between $42k-$46k; offers are commensurate with experience and bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation. The salary range provided represents our current estimate for this role at the time of posting and is subject to change. The final salary will be determined based on a range of factors, including but not limited to, a candidate's relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs. We are dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to fostering a diverse workforce while providing equal opportunities for all candidates.
• Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, three scheduled weeks of paid time off each year (Spring, Summer, Winter), and additional flexible paid leave that accrues based on tenure; 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match, (more benefit details here). 
• Location: Classroom setting (Scott Early Learning Center).
• Schedule: Full-time, salaried; center is open Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm; assigned shifts will vary.
• We don’t just hire talent—we grow it: Emerging Leaders will have access to leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)