North Lawndale Early Learning Center Teacher, Various Locations

North Lawndale Early Learning Center Teacher (Various Locations) On-site, Full time Chicago, Illinois, United States Who We Are North Lawndale is a vibrant and historically significant neighborhood on Chicago's west side, with roots dating back to the civil rights movement and Great Migration. This community has been home to transformative leaders, cultural innovators, and generations of families who have built a strong foundation of resilience and hope. Today, North Lawndale is home to award winning, high quality early childhood programs and centers that reflect the community's commitment to educational excellence. Organizations like the Steans Family Foundation, the North Lawndale Neighborhood Roundtable, and the North Lawndale Coordinating Council exemplify the spirit of collaboration and community‑driven change that defines this neighborhood. We are inspired by ongoing investments in housing, commercial development, and community centers featuring technology and arts programming designed to honor North Lawndale’s legacy while building toward a thriving future. Early Learning Centers Carole Robertson Center, North Lawndale, 3701 West Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL Chicago Youth Centers – Sidney Epstein Youth Center, 3415 W. 13th Place, Chicago, IL Gads Hill Center, 2653 West Ogden Avenue, Chicago IL North Lawndale YMCA, 3449 W. Arthington St, Chicago, IL What You’ll Do Under the supervision of center Site Directors, educators in North Lawndale’s early childhood programs design and facilitate developmentally appropriate, play‑based learning experiences. Teachers nurture children’s curiosity, support their emerging skills, partner with families, and work collaboratively with team members to build a thriving early learning classroom, center, and community. What You’ll Own (The “What”) Establish and communicate high expectations for young children, demonstrating a belief that every child is capable, competent, and able to learn. Support children’s growth and development using age‑appropriate goals and strategies. Hold a clear mission and values orientation aligned with North Lawndale’s collective vision. Promote access to rich learning experiences that reflect the culture and communities of North Lawndale. Foster warm, responsive relationships with children to promote trust, belonging, and secure attachment. Create a positive classroom where children feel emotionally safe and socially connected. Partner effectively with families as co‑educators, honoring their expertise and cultural knowledge. Work collaboratively with a diverse team to design positive learning experiences for all children. Build meaningful partnerships with the community to assist families with resources. Engage in reflective learning: use assessment, observation, and a growth mindset to better inform classroom instruction and children's needs, remain open to sharing and accepting new ideas, and participate in professional learning aligned to high‑quality early childhood practices. Create learning environments that affirm and honor children’s cultures, languages, and family identities, using culturally relevant and responsive classroom materials, stories, and interactions to reflect the community’s history and strengths. Possess a deep understanding of inclusive, fair, and child‑centered practices to contribute to children’s success. Model a belief in the humanity of all children and families. Commit fiercely to improving outcomes for children—specifically underserved Black children. Requirements – What You’ll Need to be Successful (The “How”) Inclusive & Whole Child Vision: Embrace a vision anchored in whole child development, and culturally responsive care, prioritize developmentally appropriate, child‑centered practices grounded in early learning, center relationships, family engagement, and intentional teaching, demonstrate knowledge of and passion for early childhood teaching and learning. Developmentally Appropriate Instruction: Apply a deep understanding of early childhood development to implement engaging, hands‑on, play‑based learning experiences, individualize and differentiate child learning through play‑based, language‑rich, and technology‑appropriate activities. Learning Environment Design and Classroom Management: Create a safe, nurturing, visually appealing classroom environment that encourages exploration and mastery of age‑appropriate skills, prioritize consistent routines and expectations that promote self‑regulation and positive social interactions, demonstrate knowledge of and support for children’s social emotional development through modeling, responsive caregiving and proactive guidance. License Requirements Teachers must have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field from an accredited college or university. Teachers must possess at least one of the following valid teaching licenses issued by the Illinois State Board of Education: Professional Educator License (PEL), Educator License with Stipulations (ELS), or a Substitute License. Teachers must have a level 5 ECE or IT credential through Gateways to Opportunity. Teachers will have successfully completed all teaching requirements and all coursework required to obtain the appropriate teaching certificate(s) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Benefits Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included. #J-18808-Ljbffr IMDiversity