Associate Teacher

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet offers qualified employees 41 paid days off per year, excellent medical benefits, and an employer-sponsored 403b plan that requires no contribution from employee. We prioritize your well-being and financial security.

Discover the unique rewards of working in a Head Start program, where you can ignite young minds and provide comprehensive early childhood education that sets the stage for lifelong success.

By joining Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Head Start, you will make a lasting impact on children's lives and have the opportunity to support and uplift families by empowering them to thrive and create a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Essential Functions

1. Under the supervision of the Site Supervisor and the assigned Teacher, the Associate Teacher is responsible for adhering to the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Head Start Performance Standards related to Early Childhood Services in conjunction with State Licensing Standards.
2. Responsible for adhering to the guidelines of Health and Human Services Head Start Performance Standards related to Early Childhood Services in conjunction with State Licensing Standards.
3. Ensures that the children are actively supervised at all times. Following the Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Licensing Standards. Responsible for day to day operations of the classroom in the absence of a Bachelor degreed teacher.
4. With the teacher, implement the elements the program’s researched-based curriculum by providing fun learning experiences that encourages decision-making, cultural awareness, and exploration.
5. Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including daily/weekly observations in each developmental area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment that is completed on an ongoing basis throughout the program year.
6. In collaboration with the classroom teacher, develop individualized goals for children based on assessment results, program School Readiness Goals, State Standards, the Head Strat Early Learning Outcomes Framework B-5, child’s Individualized Family Service Plan/Individualized Education Plan, and in collaboration with parents.
7. In collaboration with classroom teacher, implement activities that support achievement of learning goals and document monthly updates on children’s learning goals. Identifies and reports to the proper staff person about potential child abuse cases.
8. Provide social and emotional support to children in an organized classroom inclusive of intentional teacher-child interactions. (Specific behaviors as described in the Classroom Assessment Scoring System CLASS)
9. Conduct screenings for all children within 45 days of the program year. Provide follow-up screenings and/or referrals as needed. In collaboration with the teacher, complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, meal reports etc.
10. In collaboration with the teacher, schedules and conducts at least two home visits and two parent conferences per year.
11. Participates in the child and family staffing meetings with prepared notes from observations and assessments of children.
12. Ability to work with the Teacher to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities effectively, providing input.

Employer Provided Benefits

• Time-off: 14 Holidays - 15 Vacation Days -12 Sick Days
• Medical/Dental/Vision Health Insurances
• Flexible Spending Account
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (employee paid optional)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• 403B Retirement Plan with employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

1. Associates of Arts Degree in Child Development with 36 or more hours of college credits in Child Development or related field. All degrees must come from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.
2. Obtain and maintain at minimum, the Illinois Gateway ECE Credential Level 3 within 2 years of employment.
3. One to three years of experience working with young children and families in a Child Care setting is required.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to English language acquisition.
5. Demonstrate the skill and competence to meet personnel qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers.
6. At least 18 years of age.
7. Passage of complete background clearance, physical and Tuberculosis (TB) Test.
8. Reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.