Daycare Teacher (Birth – Preschool)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical up to 80%

Dental, Vision, Legal Services

Short-Term Disability

3% 401(k) match

Tuition assistance up to $10,000

Paid time off: 16 PTO, 9 sick/personal

15 paid holidays

Job summary

ITAV IT Takes A Village Family of Schools in Chicago seeks a Birth–Preschool Teacher to create a safe, nurturing space for infants and toddlers to explore and grow. You will support every child’s development through developmentally appropriate activities and responsive caregiving.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with a Gateways Level 5 credential and PEL, plus experience in licensed childcare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Gateways Credential (Level 5) required.
• PEL in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Prior experience with infants and toddlers in licensed settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide attentive, nurturing care to infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
• Build strong, responsive relationships with children and families.
• Conduct developmental observations and assessments to support learning plans.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities supporting development.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom compliant with licensing.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Observation & assessments

Family collaboration

Creative teaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Gateways Credential (Level 5)

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education

Professional Educator License (PEL) in ECE

Job description

# Daycare Teacher (Birth - Preschool)Hot JobITAV Early Learning Center - Chicago, IL 60651## OverviewSalary Range$54,097.00 - $73,517.00 Salary/year## 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 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 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 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 Details* 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 |## QualificationsRequired:* 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 settingWho 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 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 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 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.