Daycare Teacher (Birth - Preschool)

ITAV; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 80% employer-paid medical cover

Full benefits package: Dental, Vision,

3% 401(k) employer match

Up to $10,000 annually in tuition assi

Robust paid time off: 16 PTO days, 9 S

15 paid holidays annually

Career advancement and leadership opps

Job summary

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) in Chicago, IL is seeking a Birth–Preschool Teacher to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where infants and toddlers can grow and reach key developmental milestones.

This is a mission-driven role in a culturally responsive, social justice–centered educational setting that serves diverse families. It offers competitive compensation and robust benefits with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
• Gateways Credential Level 5 required or equivalent.
• Master’s degree and PEL in ECE preferred but not required.
• Experience with infants and toddlers in licensed settings is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide attentive, nurturing care to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a safe, stimulating environment.
• 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 supporting cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom in alignment with licensing and health regulations.
• Monitor children’s well-being and respond appropriately to illness or distress.
• Collaborate with colleagues and leadership to continuously improve classroom practices and student outcomes.
• Perform additional duties to support classroom, site, and organizational needs.

Skills

Child-centered approach

Strong communication

Collaborative teamwork

Culturally responsive practice

Early childhood development knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Gateways Credential (Level 5)

Master’s degree preferred

Professional Educator License in ECE (PEL) preferred

Job description

ITAV Early Learning Center - Chicago, IL 60651

Overview

Salary Range

Join Our Team: Early Childhood Teacher (Birth–Preschool)

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 Overview

We 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 Responsibilities

• Provide attentive, nurturing care to infants, toddlers, preschool aged children in a safe and stimulating environment
• 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 cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom aligned with licensing and health regulations
• Monitor children’s well-being and respond appropriately to signs of illness or distress
• Collaborate with colleagues and leadership to continuously improve classroom practices and student outcomes
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support classroom, site, and organizational needs

Why Join ITAV?

Make an Impact : Be a foundational part of a child’s earliest learning experiences and family journey

Grow Your Career: Access ongoing professional development, leadership pathways, and tuition assistance

Be in Community: Join a team of passionate educators committed to excellence, equity, and innovation

Innovate in Education: Contribute to a model that integrates social justice, community engagement, and high-quality early learning

• Locations: Humboldt Park, South Loop, Austin (Chicago, IL)
• Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position
• Salary Range: $54,097 – $73,517
• Grant Funded
  • This 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):

Credential

Salary Range

MA + PEL

$68,970 – $73,517

MA Degree

$59,310 – $63,220

BA Degree + PEL

$64,502 – $68,754

BA Degree

$54,097 – $57,663

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Gateways Credential (Level 5)

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Professional Educator License (PEL) in Early Childhood Education
• Prior experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed childcare or early learning setting

Who You Are

• Child-Centered: You prioritize the safety, well-being, and development of young children
• Knowledgeable: You understand early childhood development, milestones, and individual learning differences
• Creative & Engaging: You design meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity and exploration
• Collaborative: You value teamwork and open communication with families and colleagues
• Mission-Aligned: You are passionate about culturally responsive education and social justice

We 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 coverage
• Full benefits package , including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability
• 3% 401(k) employer match to help you build long-term financial security
• Up to $10,000 annually in tuition assistance to support degree completion and credential advancement
• Robust paid time off , including 16 PTO days per year, 9 sick/personal days per year, and compensatory time eligible
• 15 paid holidays annually
• Clear pathways for career advancement and leadership opportunities