Why Join Concordia Place?
Do you want to positively impact children's growth? Interested in teaching a fun and purposeful play-based curriculum? What about working with qualified teachers in beautiful indoor and outdoor play areas? If the answer is a resounding yes, then Concordia Place is right for you!
Founded in 1981, Concordia Place is a vibrant mission driven organization providing multigenerational programs including early learning, after-school, and teen leadership for Chicago communities. Our centers are located in the Avondale, Ravenswood, North Center and Old Irving Park neighborhoods, with plans to expand into Albany Park. While we are diverse, we are united by our mission to create involved communities where all our neighbors can gather, learn, and grow. Concordia believes everyone deserves opportunity, and that it is best served when it is broadly inclusive.
Our Guiding Principles
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Faith in Action
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A Place of Yes
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A Place for All
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A Place of One
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A Place of Excellence
Birth-Three Lead Teacher
This position is responsible for the birth-threes classroom, which follows continuity of care (starts with infants and transitions upwards in age until 3 years old). The Teacher prepares lesson plans, prepares a warm and safe environment for the children, establishes strong communications with parents, and supports team development. Teachers prepare weekly lesson plans based on a curriculum outline, prepare a warm and safe environment for children to grow and explore, establish good communications with parents and encourage the children's involvement in activities. Concordia Place teachers contribute to our guiding principles of a Place of Excellence and Place of One by producing a positive and collaborative environment for their colleagues, and the children, and the families we serve. Reports to the Assistant Director of Early Learning. Full-time hours mean consistently working 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, 40 hours total per week.
Responsibilities
Supervise and maintain safety of the children at all times
Ensure lesson plans are developmentally appropriate
Organize and lead activities designed to promote whole-child development
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students varying needs and interests
Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests and needs and use this information to facilitate learning
Provide a variety of materials and resources for children
Set up and maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children
Develop positive relationships with each child and child's family and share information about the child's day
Conduct individual parent conferences at least twice a year to discuss each child's growth and development (Early Learning and Preschool only)
Attend professional meetings, including staff meetings and in-service days provided by Concordia Place, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional competence
Help maintain facility in a safe and satisfactory condition
Respect the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents, and teachers
Other duties assigned by Assistant Director, or Program Director
Qualifications
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MUST HAVE: Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or equivalent
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MUST HAVE: Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler credential level 5
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3-5 years of experience in an early learning program
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and Publisher)
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift up to a 30-pound child
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This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. This position requires the person to talk and hear, long periods of sitting, and computer and phone use; other activities while performing this job may require lifting up to 30-pounds
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A commitment to the mission and guiding principles of Concordia Place
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Be comfortable working for a faith-inspired organization; Concordia Place is a social service mission of Concordia Lutheran Church that serves everyone regardless of any religious beliefs or affiliation.
Salary, Perks and Benefits
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Salary Range: $18.50 - $26.00 per hour
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$1,250 signing bonus!
Concordia Place offers a generous compensation and benefits package to employees. Here is an overview of the many perks of working at Concordia Place (PLEASE NOTE: employees must work 30 hours or more per week for eligibility):
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403b Retirement Savings Plan (with an Employer Match)
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Vacation Days
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Sick Days
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1 week paid winter holiday
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2 floating holidays
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Medical insurance
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Life insurance
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Dental insurance
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Vision insurance
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Long-term disability insurance
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12 holidays off per year
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Employee Referral program
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Childcare tuition discount for employees
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Quarterly in-service days and professional development resources for teaching staff
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Concordia Place will cover the cost of your physical exam through Physicians Immediate Care. Coverage only extends to those physical exam items which are required by DCFS and/or funders for our child care centers