Bright Start Child Care & Preschool is seeking an experienced early childhood professional to join our leadership team as an Early Childhood Curriculum & Program Coordinator . This is an excellent opportunity for an educator who loves teaching but is ready to make an impact beyond one classroom. We are looking for someone who can help strengthen teaching and learning throughout our school by supporting teachers, improving classroom practices, coordinating curriculum and assessment, and helping ensure that every classroom is providing a high-quality early childhood experience. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable coaching a teacher, modeling a lesson in a classroom, reviewing assessment data, developing a classroom improvement plan and collaborating with school leadership. What You Will Do The Curriculum & Program Coordinator will work closely with our Center Director and teaching staff to: Support consistent implementation of The Creative Curriculum throughout the center. Support teachers in effectively using Teaching Strategies GOLD for observation, documentation, assessment and individualized planning. Spend regular time in classrooms observing instruction, modeling effective teaching strategies and providing hands-on coaching to teachers. Help teachers strengthen lesson planning, classroom environments, routines, transitions and developmentally appropriate instruction. Review classroom practices and identify opportunities for improvement. Provide individual and group training, coaching and professional development for teaching staff. Help new teachers successfully learn Bright Start's curriculum, assessment systems and instructional expectations. Monitor children's developmental and academic progress and help teachers use assessment information to guide instruction. Coordinate curriculum-related information and resources for parents and families. Help ensure consistency and continuity as children transition between classrooms. Support Preschool for All and other early childhood program requirements as applicable. Support continuous quality improvement and Bright Start's participation in ExceleRate Illinois. Assist the leadership team with special projects and program initiatives. Provide classroom support when needed while maintaining a primary focus on curriculum quality, teacher development and overall program improvement. This position is an important part of our school leadership team and offers significant opportunity for expanded leadership responsibilities based upon experience, demonstrated performance and organizational needs. Who We Are Looking For We are especially interested in candidates who are strong educators and natural leaders.

Required:

Current Gateways Illinois Director Credential Previous experience working in a licensed early childhood education or child care program Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice Significant classroom teaching experience Ability to coach, train and provide constructive feedback to teachers Strong written and verbal communication skills Strong organizational and follow-through skills Ability to work effectively with teachers, administrators, children and families Comfortable spending meaningful time both in classrooms and performing leadership/program responsibilities

Strongly Preferred:

Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education or a closely related field Experience with The Creative Curriculum Experience with Teaching Strategies GOLD Experience supervising, mentoring or coaching early childhood teachers Experience with Illinois Preschool for All, ExceleRate Illinois or other publicly funded early childhood programs Gateways ECE Credential Previous Assistant Director, Director, Education Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator or similar leadership experience The Person Who Will Be Successful Here You may be a great fit if you are the person other teachers naturally come to for help. You enjoy improving classrooms, developing teachers and finding better ways to help children learn. You can see what is working in a classroom—and what needs to change—and you know how to coach a teacher in a positive, practical way. You are organized, dependable and comfortable holding yourself and others accountable. Most importantly, you believe that a strong early childhood program is built through great teachers, intentional curriculum, meaningful assessment and consistent leadership. About Bright Start Bright Start Child Care & Preschool has served children and families in the Homewood community for more than 20 years. We provide early childhood education from infancy through preschool and are committed to providing children with a nurturing environment and a strong educational foundation. Bright Start utilizes The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD and developmental screening tools as part of our comprehensive approach to early learning. We are a Christian child care and preschool program and seek team members who are comfortable supporting our mission and family-centered environment.

Compensation & Benefits Pay:

Based upon education, credentials, relevant experience and demonstrated leadership capabilities. Benefits available to eligible employees include paid time off, paid holidays, professional development opportunities, employee child care benefits where applicable, and opportunities for continued professional growth and advancement. If you are an experienced early childhood educator who is ready to influence the quality of an entire school—not just one classroom—we would like to hear from you.

Pay:

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Life insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person