Teacher (Infant-Toddler)

Infant & Toddler Teacher Location: South‑East Asia Center, 4915 N. Broadway Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645 Start Date: Immediate Hiring Hours: Full‑Time Why Choose Us Supportive Team – work with educators who value teamwork and collaboration Hands‑on Learning – create a nurturing, interactive environment for young minds Growth Opportunities – receive professional development and training to advance your career Impactful Work – be a key figure in shaping the future of young learners What We're Looking For Experience with infants and toddlers (preferred but not required) Passion for early childhood development A loving, patient, caring, creative, and enthusiastic approach to teaching Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development (Master's degree a plus) What You'll Do Plan and implement engaging learning activities Foster safe, supportive environments for young children Communicate regularly with parents and team members Encourage social, emotional, and cognitive development Perks Salary: $21 - $28 per hour plus bonus and overtime Health Benefits: 65% employer coverage Generous PTO or double if unused Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Retirement Savings Plan Qualifications BA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development, or at least 30 semester hours in ECE or Infant‑Toddler studies. MA in Education or related field is a plus. At least 6 months of professional caregiving/teaching experience with infants and toddlers preferred. Demonstrated experience working with infants and toddlers in a childcare or educational setting. Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education. Effective communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment. Knowledge of state licensing regulations and requirements for early childhood education centers. Role & Responsibilities Provide nurturing, safe, and consistent caregiving using a primary caregiving model. Ensure physical safety of children from arrival to departure; confirm each child departs with a parent or approved caregiver. Interact with children in a respectful, encouraging manner, supporting their skill development and autonomy. Greet children and families warmly, with cross‑cultural sensitivity, each morning. Perform daily visual and physical assessments of each child for illness or injury. Attend to children's personal hygiene needs during routines (feeding, diapering, toileting, etc.). Change diapers and document at least three times daily before meals; additional changes may be required after 5:00 PM. Organize and store toys and materials for safety and appropriate child interactions. Refrigerate bottles and milk promptly; perform housekeeping duties (sanitizing, laundry, etc.) as needed. Assist in food preparation and serving according to USDA guidelines. Ensure children receive rest periods; assist toddlers in transitioning to nap time. Document daily routines (feeding, diapering, sleep) on Care Sheets and Parent Communication Logs. Maintain accurate attendance and meal count records. Safeguard confidentiality of children's information and family communications. Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities. Observe and document children's development; work with the lead teacher to create learning plans. Report signs of illness, injury, or developmental concerns to the IT Director or appropriate staff. Foster a positive, calm environment with a soothing demeanor as a model for children and parents. Prepare learning environments that encourage exploration and creativity. Collaborate with the lead teacher to implement a curriculum aligned with Teaching Strategies GOLD. Participate in home visits and parent conferences to develop educational and family goals. Assist in administering developmental screenings and entering data into the TS GOLD database. Maintain organized documentation of children's progress in Education Binders. Cooperate with Family Specialists to implement individualized health plans and ensure smooth transitions. Attend staff and family meetings as required. Required Knowledge Principles of high‑quality infant‑toddler care, including ITERS assessment and Illinois Birth to Three Standards. Familiarity with infant‑toddler behavior and learning styles. Experience using Teaching Strategies GOLD curriculum, QRS, ITERS, and Ages & Stages Questionnaire screening tools a plus. Abilities Required Cross‑Cultural Communication – ability to effectively engage with LEP parents; bilingual skills in Cantonese or Vietnamese preferred. Oral & Written Comprehension – understand and communicate complex information clearly in English. Problem Sensitivity – detect issues and report them promptly to appropriate staff. Oral Expression – clear speech to model proper language and facilitate communication with children and parents. Time Management – manage multiple tasks while providing care for children. Physical Requirements Perform physical activities including lifting up to 30 pounds, bending, stooping, crawling, and handling soiled materials. Agility in responding to children's physical needs, including falls or unsafe behaviors. Ability to move classroom furniture and materials as needed. Respect family privacy; share information only with authorized staff as per written consent. Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Equal Opportunity Employer. South‑East Asia Center has been serving the Uptown, Chicago neighborhood for over 40 years, providing services to families with children ranging from 6 weeks old to 12 years old. #J-18808-Ljbffr South-East Asia Center | Bridge International School