The Child Support Specialist supports assigned HS/PFA and EHS/PI classrooms by providing ½ day of support to each classroom daily, dedicated to addressing the day-to-day needs of the classroom. Responsibilities include supporting children experiencing challenging behaviors or requiring inclusion support, facilitating planning time and coverage for teacher coaching, and assisting with the overall smooth operation of the classroom. The Child Support Specialist assists in implementing program objectives and services in compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, and the Illinois State Board of Education by being part of the teaching team, and providing support to teachers with classroom activities. This includes but is not limited to, supporting the full inclusion of children with disabilities, suspected disabilities, and challenging behaviors, implementing curriculum, supervising children, communicating with parents, and providing a healthy and safe environment for children.

This role is ideal for someone who has respect for children and families with diverse values and cultures and is passionate about supporting learning environments and opportunities that are designed to help children develop physically, socially, cognitively, and emotionally and ensuring that parents are supported in their role as the child's primary teachers.

This position is headquartered at Easterseals Chicago Location at 1939 W 13th Street, Chicago, IL 60608. 

Requirements

Education/Certification:

• Required: Minimum of either Infant/Toddler or Preschool CDA Credential and must achieve both credentials within one year of hire if no degree.
• Preferred: Associate's degree in early childhood education, with a minimum of 30 college credits with 15 hours in ECE.
• ECE Level 2 and/or Infant Toddler ECE Level 2 within one year of hire.
• A paraprofessional license is required within 6 months of hire.

Experience Requirements:

• 1 year of early childhood classroom experience.
• 1 year of experience in serving culturally and linguistically diverse children in early childhood settings.
• 1 year of experience in Head Start/Early Head Start preferred.

Required Knowledge:

• Microsoft Office Suite or related software including Microsoft Teams.
• Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Head Start Performance Standards.
• Knowledge of Illinois Early Learning Guidelines (IELGs)
• Knowledge of Illinois Early Learning Development Standards (IELDSs)

Vehicle/Transportation Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license
• Auto insurance
• Reliable vehicle

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task in a high stress environment.
• Ability to interact with diverse personalities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Basic competency with office equipment including laptops and other portable devices.
• Completion of a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education per year.
• Willing to work flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the families.

Benefits

ADA: Easterseals will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990. Unless exempted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons hired for this position are required to possess the ability to perform the physical tasks necessary to treat clients, i.e., bending, floor-sitting, etc., as well as to have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.