ISBE PRESCHOOL FOR ALL LEAD TEACHER

Family First Center; Waukegan (IL); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Family First Center of Lake County is looking for an ISBE Preschool for All Lead Teacher in Waukegan, IL. This full-time role requires delivering high-quality early childhood education, ensuring compliance with ISBE standards, and supporting children's development and readiness for school.

The Lead Teacher will develop lesson plans, maintain an inclusive classroom environment, and collaborate with families and staff. Candidates should have an Early Childhood Education endorsement and a strong understanding of child development and early childhood best practices.

Qualifications

• Eligibility to serve as the Lead Teacher in an ISBE Preschool for All classroom.
• Knowledge of Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS).
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with the Illinois Early Learning Standards.
• Maintain a safe and nurturing classroom environment.
• Conduct developmental observations and progress monitoring.

Skills

Strong understanding of child development

Early Childhood Education endorsement

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Ability to supervise children

Education

Early Childhood Education endorsement

Job description

Family First Center of Lake County ISBE Preschool for All Lead Teacher, Waukegan, IL – Full time

The ISBE Preschool for All Lead Teacher at Family First Center of Lake County delivers high-quality early childhood education, supports children’s development and school readiness, ensures compliance with ISBE standards, and collaborates with families and staff to create a safe, nurturing learning environment.

About Family First Center of Lake County

Family First Center provides comprehensive behavioral health, case management, and community-based programming designed to improve access, stability, and well-being for families across Lake County. Services include individual therapy, case management, youth programming, community events, and resource navigation.

Mission Statement: “To nurture, educate, and provide opportunities within the community by placing emphasis on rebuilding the family, repairing division, and developing strategies to empower change to create a strong family support system.”

Description

Position Summary

The ISBE Preschool for All Lead Teacher serves as the educational cornerstone of the Preschool for All program at Family First Center of Lake County. This role is dedicated to delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction while fostering a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes school readiness and whole-child development. The Lead Teacher ensures full compliance with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Preschool for All requirements, the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS), ExceleRate Illinois expectations, and all applicable regulatory standards. Acting as a collaborative bridge between children, families, support staff, and program leadership, the Lead Teacher integrates curriculum implementation, child assessment, family engagement, and classroom management to support each child’s academic, social-emotional, and developmental success and to advance the mission of serving children and families throughout the Lake County community.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS).
• Incorporate literacy, math, science, social-emotional learning, creative arts, and play-based instruction.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, structured, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Conduct developmental observations, screenings, and progress monitoring.
• Maintain accurate student records and compliance documentation.
• Build positive and professional relationships with families and conduct parent conferences.
• Maintain compliance with ISBE Preschool for All standards, ExceleRate requirements, and DCFS regulations.
• Supervise classroom assistants and provide day-to-day instructional leadership to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance within the Preschool for All classroom.
• Collaborate with classroom assistants, specialists, administrators, and community partners.
• Participate in required professional development and ongoing training.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Early Childhood Education endorsement qualifying the individual to teach children Birth through Grade 2.
• Eligibility to serve as the Lead Teacher in an ISBE Preschool for All classroom.
• Strong understanding of child development and early childhood best practices.
• Knowledge of Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS).
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to actively supervise young children throughout the school day.
• Ability to bend, kneel, lift, and engage in classroom activities with preschool-aged children.

Preferred

• Experience working in an early childhood or preschool classroom.
• Experience supporting school readiness, social-emotional development, and individualized learning needs.
• Experience with ISBE Preschool for All, ExceleRate Illinois, or DCFS licensing requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Family First Center of Lake County is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.