Child Care Teacher

Bright Horizons Children's Centers; Western Springs (IL); On-site; USD 25,485 - 31,133; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Bright Horizons Children's Centers in Western Springs, IL is seeking a passionate Bright Horizons Teacher. This full-time or part-time position allows you to impact children’s lives while pursuing career growth through no-cost CDA or college degree opportunities.

Key responsibilities include creating engaging activities for children, maintaining open communication with parents, and ensuring a safe learning environment. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, and teaching experience in child care settings is preferred.

This position offers competitive pay between $18.50 – $22.60 per hour along with benefits such as medical insurance and a $1,000 hiring incentive.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Experience teaching in child care or preschool preferred.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices is required.

Responsibilities

• Create hands-on activities to engage children.
• Communicate child's progress with parents.
• Maintain a safe and clean classroom environment.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Communication skills

Classroom management

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA or related college-level coursework

Bachelor's degree in early education

Job description

Overview

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

This position is also eligible for a $1,000 hiring incentive paid out after 100 days of employment.

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. Provide support in any classroom or age group where teaching coverage is needed across a center or in nearby locations.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required.


• Related college‑level early education coursework or CDA is required.


• 1 year of professional experience teaching in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred.


• CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or a related field 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:
  
  
  1. 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
  
  
  2. 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 child care and/or child development from birth to age 6; OR
  
  
  3. Completion of credential programs approved by the Department in accordance with Appendix G, otherwise known as CDA.
  
  

Physical Requirements

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons', and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training.

• 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 Western Springs, 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.

This position is also eligible for a $1,000 hiring incentive paid out after 100 days of employment.

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.

Deadline to Apply

Bright Horizons is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis.

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.