Education & Disabilities Coordinator

Mary Crane Center • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

Lead. Mentor. Inspire. Support Early Learning at Every Level.

Are you a passionate early childhood education professional who thrives on mentoring others, improving classroom quality, and supporting inclusive learning? Mary Crane Center is looking for an experienced Education Coordinator to help lead and support our teaching teams, ensure program quality, and oversee education and disability services across our sites.

As an Education Coordinator, you’ll serve as a key resource for teachers, staff, and families, helping ensure every child has access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction and services. You'll also play a critical role in program compliance, professional development, and continuous improvement efforts aligned with Head Start, NAEYC, and state standards.

What You’ll Do
Coach and Support Teaching Teams
Provide technical assistance, mentoring, and modeling of best practices in classrooms
Facilitate teaching team meetings and support fidelity to curriculum and program standards
Provide ongoing coaching and professional development aligned with staff needs and program goals
Advocate for staff and support positive communication across teaching teams
Oversee Classroom Quality and Compliance
Conduct regular classroom observations to ensure compliance with Head Start, DCFS, and NAEYC standards
Review lesson plans, screenings, portfolios, and assessments
Monitor documentation in education and disabilities folders for accuracy and completeness
Ensure consistent implementation of Creative Curriculum and other agency-approved practices
Lead Education & Disabilities Services
Coordinate with families and staff on IFSP and IEP processes
Monitor referrals, screenings, and service implementation for children receiving or being evaluated for special education support
Ensure all disabilities documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with protocols
Oversee communication with CPS, mental health consultants, and other service partners
Strengthen Family and Community Engagement
Provide education-related support to families and participate in family reviews
Conduct center tours for funders, auditors, licensing representatives, and community partners
Work with Site Directors to plan enriching field trips and activities
Support recruitment and orientation of new staff and volunteers
Drive Administrative Oversight and Program Development
Collaborate with leadership on accreditation and continuous quality improvement
Contribute to program self-assessments, monitoring protocols, and reporting
Participate in internal and external meetings, including management, education, parent policy, and board sessions
Research and recommend educational resources, software, and professional development opportunities

Requirements

• Bachelor's OR Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with teaching experience
• Must hold a Gateways Level 5 Credential in both Early Childhood Education and Infant/Toddler
• Strong knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and early childhood curriculum
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills
• Proficiency with computer systems for documentation and planning
• Able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds
• Frequent walking, standing, kneeling, bending, and physical activity in classrooms and offices
• Vision and hearing required for safety and communication
• Must be able to work across multiple locations and occasionally exceed 40 hours per week
• Comfortable working in busy classrooms and offices with moderate to high noise levels

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance, mentoring, and modeling of best practices in classrooms
• Facilitate teaching team meetings and support fidelity to curriculum and program standards
• Provide ongoing coaching and professional development aligned with staff needs and program goals
• Advocate for staff and support positive communication across teaching teams
• Conduct regular classroom observations to ensure compliance with Head Start, DCFS, and NAEYC standards
• Review lesson plans, screenings, portfolios, and assessments
• Monitor documentation in education and disabilities folders for accuracy and completeness
• Ensure consistent implementation of Creative Curriculum and other agency-approved practices
• Coordinate with families and staff on IFSP and IEP processes
• Monitor referrals, screenings, and service implementation for children receiving or being evaluated for special education support
• Ensure all disabilities documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with protocols
• Oversee communication with CPS, mental health consultants, and other service partners
• Provide education-related support to families and participate in family reviews
• Conduct center tours for funders, auditors, licensing representatives, and community partners
• Work with Site Directors to plan enriching field trips and activities
• Support recruitment and orientation of new staff and volunteers
• Collaborate with leadership on accreditation and continuous quality improvement
• Contribute to program self-assessments, monitoring protocols, and reporting
• Participate in internal and external meetings, including management, education, parent policy, and board sessions
• Research and recommend educational resources, software, and professional development opportunities

Benefits

• Mary Crane Center offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance (HMO, PPO, and DPPO options), paid time off, and wellness support.
• Eligibility and offerings may vary depending on position and hours worked. Additional details will be shared during the hiring process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level