Job Title: Head Start Lead Teacher
Agency: Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency (NICAA) – Freeport, IL
Job Type: Full-Time (Part-Year) | Hourly | Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday – Friday | 37.5 hours/week
Location: On-site / In-person
Reports to: Education Manager
Supervises: Classroom Teaching Team (Assistants, Aides, Volunteers)
Make a Lasting Impact as a Head Start Lead Teacher!
NICAA’s Head Start program is seeking a dynamic Lead Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and leadership. This role combines hands-on classroom teaching with staff supervision and curriculum planning, ensuring high-quality learning environments that promote school readiness for children ages 3–5.
As a Lead Teacher, you’ll not only implement developmentally appropriate curriculum but also mentor and guide a classroom team, all while upholding Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), DCFS licensing, and NICAA’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership
- Plan and deliver engaging, individualized lesson plans using Creative Curriculum
- Integrate Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals into classroom routines and small group activities
- Conduct assessments and maintain documentation in Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG)
- Foster an inclusive, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
- Lead classroom transitions, daily routines, and health & safety practices
- Maintain communication with families via home visits, conferences, and daily interactions
Team Supervision & Coaching
- Provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to the classroom team
- Delegate responsibilities and ensure team accountability
- Lead weekly classroom team meetings and submit required documentation
- Model best practices in early learning and positive guidance
- Address staff performance issues and communicate concerns to supervisors
- Coordinate with Education Manager and other specialists for support and resources
Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure compliance with HSPPS, DCFS regulations, USDA guidelines, and internal policies
- Complete and submit accurate child files, attendance, referrals, reports, and lesson plans
- Participate in program audits, monitoring, self-assessments, and emergency drills
- Follow NICAA procedures related to referrals, family services, and data tracking
Classroom Environment & Safety
- Maintain cleanliness and safety of the classroom and playground.
- Conduct and document safety, health, and emergency preparedness checks.
- Participate in fire/emergency drills and follow DCFS and Head Start guidelines.
- Ensure compliance with all licensing and program standards.
Family & Community Engagement
- Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences
- Facilitate parent training and family involvement in classroom activities
- Build relationships with families and support the Family Partnership Agreement process
- Encourage and document parent participation and child progress
Required Qualifications
Education
- Required:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
- OR a degree in Education with Illinois Pre-K Certification
- Preferred:
- Bilingual (Spanish/English)
Experience
- Minimum 1 year teaching in a licensed early childhood setting
- Previous Head Start or public pre-K experience strongly preferred
Additional Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Valid Illinois Driver’s License and reliable transportation
- Pass DCFS and federal background checks
- Proof of recent physical, TB test, MMR, and Tdap vaccinations
- Must obtain/maintain First Aid and CPR certification (Provided through the Agency)
- Ability to lift 55 lbs. and perform physical duties such as squatting, kneeling, and sitting on the floor
Physical & Work Environment
- Indoor/outdoor classroom environments; exposure to illness/bodily fluids possible
- Frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, and active play with children
- Occasional travel for training, home visits, and community events
Professional Development
- Complete at least 15 clock hours of training annually
- Attend staff meetings, workshops, and agency-wide professional development
- Participate in coaching and performance evaluation
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.50 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Freeport, IL 61032 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Freeport, IL 61032: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
