DEVELOPMENTAL KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

Chicago Heights School District 170; United States; On-site; USD 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

School District 170 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, is seeking a Developmental Kindergarten Teacher to provide play-based instruction aligned with Kindergarten Standards and to support the academic, social-emotional, and physical growth of young learners. The teacher will create a safe, inclusive classroom and collaborate with families and staff to ensure student success.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, and an endorsement such as Early

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Early Childhood Endorsement (Type 04) Preschool - 3rd grade, or equivalent endorsement.
• LBS Endorsement (Learning Behavior Specialist).

Responsibilities

• Establish rapport with and motivate each student.
• Provide a structured, play-based program aligned to Kindergarten Curriculum.
• Plan, implement and evaluate the individualized education plan for each child.
• Prepare reports required by administration.
• Prepare detailed lesson plans for daily schedules.
• Participate in preschool screenings.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate instruction aligned to Kindergarten Standards.
• Foster growth in early literacy, numeracy, communication, motor development, and social-emotional learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse developmental needs.
• Utilize hands-on activities, learning centers, structured play, and small-group instruction.
• Promote independence, problem-solving, creativity, and positive peer interactions.
• Observe, assess, and document developmental and academic progress.
• Use assessment results to guide instruction and interventions.
• Monitor student growth and communicate progress with families and school staff.
• Attend and implement MTSS and IEPs as applicable.
• Collaborate with special education staff and other specialists.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and provide required documentation.
• Attend in-service programs and faculty meetings.
• Establish and maintain regular communication with parents.
• Lift and relocate children/equipment as needed.
• Assist with self-help, toileting, and self-care skills if applicable.
• Sanitize materials/equipment per policy.
• Perform all duties assigned by the building principal.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Early Childhood Endorsement (Type 04) Preschool - 3rd grade, or equivalent endorsement

LBS Endorsement (Learning Behavior Specialist)

Job description

• Position Type: Elementary School Teaching
• Date Posted: 5/15/2026
• Date Available: FY 26-27

SCHOOL DISTRICT 170

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Early Childhood Endorsement (Type 04) Preschool - 3rd grade, or equivalent endorsement)
• OR Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS!) Endorsement.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Developmental Kindergarten Teacher will provide developmentally appropriate, play-based instruction along with the Kindergarten Curriculum designed to support the academic, social-emotional, physical, and behavioral growth of young learners. The teacher creates a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment while implementing curriculum aligned with Kindergarten Standards. The position requires collaboration with parents, families, and educational team members to ensure student success and individualized support.

REPORTS TO: Building Principal and other Administrative personnel.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary, benefits, and work year as established in the Teacher's Contract.

PENSION SYSTEM: TRS

SALARY RANGE: $49,144 - $58,966. Salary commensurate with experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

• Establish rapport with and develop individual techniques to motivate and manage each student.
• Provide a structured program of academic and activities with sufficient flexibility to hold interest and meet needs, as outlined by the Kindergarten Curriculum.
• Plan, implement and evaluate the individual educational plan for each child.

Administration:

• Prepare all reports required by administration.
• Prepare detailed lesson plans for daily schedules.
• Participate in regularly scheduled preschool screenings.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based instruction aligned to Kindergarten Standards.
• Foster growth in early literacy, numeracy, communication, motor development, and social-emotional learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse developmental and learning needs of students.
• Utilize hands-on activities, learning centers, structured play, and small-group instruction to support active learning and engagement.
• Promote independence, problem-solving, creativity, and positive peer interactions.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring:

• Observe, assess, and document developmental and academic progress.
• Use assessment results to guide instruction and interventions.
• Monitor student growth and communicate progress with families and school staff.

IEP Implementation:

• Attend and Implement MTSS and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) as applicable.
• Collaborate with special education staff, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, and other specialists.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and provide required documentation and progress reports.

Communication:

• Attend in-service programs and general faculty meetings.
• Establish and maintain regular communication with parents.

Other:

• Lift and relocate children/equipment as needed.
• Assist with self help, toileting, and self care skills if applicable.
• Sanitize materials/equipment in accordance with Board policy.
• Perform all duties assigned by the building principal.