Lead Teacher

Early Childhood Teacher Qualified

Our Child Care Center is seeking passionate, dependable, and nurturing Teacher Qualified Early Childhood Educators to join our team at our Oak Park, Illinois location.

We are currently hiring for full-time and part-time Teacher Qualified positions. We are looking for educators who genuinely enjoy working with children and are committed to creating a safe, engaging, and positive learning environment.

Teacher Qualified staff are responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, maintaining a structured classroom environment, supporting children's individual needs, and helping children grow socially, emotionally, cognitively, physically, and academically.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Provide a safe, nurturing, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
• Maintain appropriate classroom routines, transitions, and behavior-management practices.
• Supervise children closely and ensure all health and safety procedures are followed.
• Observe children's development and document progress, behaviors, and milestones as required.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with parents and guardians regarding their child's day, development, and classroom experiences.
• Work collaboratively with fellow teachers, administration, and other members of the childcare team.
• Maintain accurate classroom and childcare documentation in accordance with center policies and Illinois DCFS licensing requirements.
• Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining learning materials.
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Follow all center policies and applicable Illinois DCFS licensing standards.

Qualifications & Teacher Requirements

Applicants must meet the Illinois DCFS qualifications for a Teacher/Lead Teacher position.

Candidates should have the required combination of education, coursework, and/or qualifying experience necessary to be considered Teacher Qualified under Illinois DCFS licensing requirements.

Qualifications may include:

• An Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or another approved related field.
• An approved early childhood credential or other qualifying credential recognized by Illinois DCFS.
• Required early childhood education coursework, depending on the position and classroom.
• Qualifying professional experience working directly with children in a licensed childcare, preschool, or early childhood setting.
• A combination of education and experience that meets applicable Illinois DCFS requirements.
• Ability to provide documentation verifying education, credentials, coursework, and/or qualifying experience as required.
• Must meet all applicable Illinois DCFS background check, physical examination, training, and other employment requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a lead teacher or classroom teacher in a childcare or early childhood setting.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience creating and implementing lesson plans.
• Strong classroom-management and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Dependable, patient, energetic, organized, and nurturing.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Please note: Applicants must meet the applicable Illinois DCFS requirements to be considered Teacher Qualified for a lead teacher position. Education, credentials, coursework, and experience will be reviewed to determine qualification for the position and classroom assignment.

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person