Job Description

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 the ongoing investments in housing, commercial development, and community centers featuring technology and arts programming which are designed to honor North Lawndale’s legacy while building toward a thriving future. 

Early childhood educators play an essential role in shaping joyful, inclusive and culturally responsive early learning spaces that nurture the whole child. The participating Early Learning Centers in North Lawndale are: 

• 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

• Communicate and demonstrate 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

• Serve as a Relationship Builder

• Foster warm, responsive relationships with children to promote trust, belonging, and secure attachment
• Foster 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 their goals and needs with resources. 

Engage in Reflective Learning

• Engage in ongoing reflection to strengthen practice and deepen understanding of early childhood development 
• Use assessment, observation and a growth mindset to better inform classroom instruction and children's needs
• Remain open to sharing and accepting new ideas
• Participate in professional learning aligned to high quality early childhood practices

Lead through Cultural Responsiveness 

• Create learning environments that affirm and honor children’s cultures, languages and family identities
• Use 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 of our 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 a 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 

• Teacher Assistants must have an Associates Degree or 60 hours of college credit from an accredited higher education institution.
• Teacher Assistants must be possess or be on the path toward a Level 4 ECE Gateway Credential.

Benefits

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.

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