Child Care Teacher

Bright Horizons; Deerfield (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free college degrees through Horizons

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Disability insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Bright Horizons in Deerfield, IL seeks a dedicated Bright Horizons Teacher for full-time roles across infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. You will create hands-on activities, collaborate with families, and maintain a safe, clean classroom in accordance with state guidelines.

This role supports professional growth with options to pursue a CDA or college degree at no cost, plus comprehensive benefits as part of a mission-driven early education team.

Qualifications

• Must have or be eligible for state Teacher Qualified requirements in IL.
• Experience in child care, daycare, or preschool preferred.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) required.

Responsibilities

• Create hands-on activities to meet children’s needs and interests.
• Maintain open communication with parents about daily milestones.
• Ensure a safe, clean classroom by following procedures and guidelines.

Skills

DAP knowledge

Parent communication

Child development understanding

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA / associate or bachelor’s in early education

60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours in related coursework

30 semester hours + 6/9 credits in related courses

Completion of approved credential programs (CDA)

Job description

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons, where you can make a meaningful impact on children’s lives every day. Learn from early education experts while having the opportunity to pursue a CDA or college degree at no cost. Experience this and more as a Bright Horizons Teacher.

Full-time positions are available with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Responsibilities

• Create hands-on activities to meet the needs and interests of the children
• Maintain open communication with parents, sharing their child's daily milestones
• Ensure a safe and clean classroom by following essential procedures and guidelines

Qualifications

• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required
• College-level coursework in early childhood education, CDA, or an associate or bachelor’s degree in early education or related field is preferred
• 1 year of professional experience teaching in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) for children is required
• Must meet state requirements to be Teacher Qualified in the State of IL:
• 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester hours or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or development from birth to age 6

OR

• 1 year (1560 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten or licensed day care center AND 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with 6 semester or 9 quarter hours in courses related directly to childcare and/or child development from birth to age 6

OR

• Completion of credential programs approved by the Department in accordance with Appendix G, otherwise known as CDA.

Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We’re changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift, carry, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, or hold weight more than 40 pounds
• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities
• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodation for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.

This position requires in-person work in the Deerfield, IL area.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is between $18.50 - $22.60 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools
• Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program
• Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness

Compensation: $18.50 - $22.60 / hr

Life at Bright Horizons

At Bright Horizons, you’re more than your job title — you’re the difference. Whether you’re nurturing a child’s first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We’re a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future — for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).