Daycare Teacher (Birth - Preschool)

Community Education Network; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical

Dental

Vision

Legal Services

Short-Term Disability

401(k) match

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) in Chicago seeks a Birth–Preschool Teacher to provide nurturing care and education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a licensed setting. You will establish warm relationships with families and support development through observation-driven plans.

The role emphasizes culturally responsive teaching, collaboration with colleagues, and ongoing professional growth within ITAV’s community-focused program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Gateways Credential (Level 5).
• PEL in Early Childhood Education.
• Prior experience working with infants and toddlers in licensed childcare or early learning setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide attentive, nurturing care to infants, toddlers, preschoolers.
• Build strong, responsive relationships with children and families.
• Conduct developmental observations and assessments to support individualized learning plans.
• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities that support development.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe classroom aligned with licensing and health regulations.
• Monitor children’s well-being and respond to signs of illness or distress.
• Collaborate with colleagues and leadership to improve classroom practices and student outcomes.

Skills

Child-centered

Knowledgeable

Creative

Collaborative

Mission-aligned

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Gateways Credential Level 5

PEL in Early Childhood Education

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV)It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) is a beacon for educating and uplifting Black children and families across Chicago. We provide a culturally responsive, social justice–centered education that empowers students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and changemakers.At ITAV, learning is joyful and transformative, teaching is innovative, and classrooms extend far beyond four walls. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—while building strong, connected communities.Position OverviewWe are seeking a passionate and dedicated Birth–Preschool Teacher to join our early childhood team. In this role, you will create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where infants and toddlers can explore, grow, and reach key developmental milestones.This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact during the most critical years of a child’s development while contributing to a mission-driven, innovative organization.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide attentive, nurturing care to infants, toddlers, preschool aged children in a safe and stimulating environmentBuild strong, responsive relationships with children and familiesConduct developmental observations and assessments to support individualized learning plansPlan and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities that support cognitive, physical, social, and emotional developmentMaintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom aligned with licensing and health regulationsMonitor children’s well-being and respond appropriately to signs of illness or distressCollaborate with colleagues and leadership to continuously improve classroom practices and student outcomesPerform additional duties as assigned to support classroom, site, and organizational needsWhy Join ITAV?Make an Impact : Be a foundational part of a child’s earliest learning experiences and family journeyGrow Your Career: Access ongoing professional development, leadership pathways, and tuition assistanceBe in Community: Join a team of passionate educators committed to excellence, equity, and innovationInnovate in Education: Contribute to a model that integrates social justice, community engagement, and high-quality early learningPosition DetailsLocations: Humboldt Park, South Loop, Austin (Chicago, IL)Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month PositionSalary Range: $54,097 – $73,517Grant FundedThis position is supported through grant-funded programs that are integral to ITAV’s early childhood education model. These funding streams enable us to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive care and learning across our communities.Salary Placement (Based on Credentials):CredentialSalary RangeMA + PEL$68,970 – $73,517MA Degree$59,310 – $63,220BA Degree + PEL$64,502 – $68,754BA Degree$54,097 – $57,663Required:Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related fieldGateways Credential (Level 5)Preferred:Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related fieldProfessional Educator License (PEL) in Early Childhood EducationPrior experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed childcare or early learning settingWho You AreChild-Centered: You prioritize the safety, well-being, and development of young childrenKnowledgeable: You understand early childhood development, milestones, and individual learning differencesCreative & Engaging: You design meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity and explorationCollaborative: You value teamwork and open communication with families and colleaguesMission-Aligned: You are passionate about culturally responsive education and social justiceCompensation & BenefitsWe believe in investing in our educators through a competitive, transparent compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and long-term success.Up to 80% employer-paid medical coverageFull benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability3% 401(k) employer match to help you build long-term financial securityUp to $10,000 annually in tuition assistance to support degree completion and credential advancementRobust paid time off, including 16 PTO days per year, 9 sick/personal days per year, and compensatory time eligible15 paid holidays annuallyClear pathways for career advancement and leadership opportunitiesReady to Make a Difference?If you are passionate about early childhood education and ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Submit your resume and cover letter to join a team that is shaping the future—one child at a time.