Lead Early Childhood Teacher and Director Designee

kido-careers; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free tuition for children (18 months–5

Health, dental and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Birthday off

Tuition reimbursement and professional

Job summary

Kïdo International Preschool in Chicago is hiring a Lead Early Childhood Teacher who also serves as Backup Director Designee. The role combines full-time classroom leadership with administrative coverage as needed, leveraging a Director Qualification.

You will implement play-based, globally inspired curricula, engage families, and collaborate with a supportive team to create a thriving learning environment for children ages 0–5 across River North and West Loop locations.

Qualifications

• Must hold Illinois DCFS Director Qualification.
• Must be at least 19 years old.
• High School Diploma or GED with credits to satisfy DCFS pathway.
• Experience teaching in licensed preschool/childcare settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead classroom instruction using Kïdo’s curriculum and ensure high-quality care.
• Provide responsive, nurturing supervision in River North/West Loop locations.
• Engage families with clear communication and digital updates.
• Collaborate with a team of teachers and support staff.
• Occasionally cover as Backup Director Designee during absences.
• Ensure licensing standards, safety protocols, and center checklists are followed.

Skills

Classroom leadership

Curriculum implementation

Family engagement

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED (DCFS pathway)

Illinois DCFS Director Qualification

Bachelor’s in ECE / CDA (preferred)

Job description

At Kïdo International Preschool, we combine the best of global early childhood education to create a nurturing, inspiring environment where children thrive. Guided by Reggio Emilia and Montessori principles, we spark curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

We’re excited to bring Kïdo to Chicago, with our River North campus now open and a West Loop location coming soon—inviting passionate educators to join our growing community.

Job Posting: Lead Early Childhood Teacher & Backup Director Designee

Locations: Chicago, IL (River North & West Loop)

Job Type: Full-Time, Daycare & Preschool

Category: Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teaching & Leadership

Classroom Leadership with an Advanced Career Path

Are you an experienced Early Childhood Educator who holds an Illinois Director Qualification, but thrives on direct classroom engagement with children? Kïdo International Preschool is seeking exceptional, high-caliber Lead Teachers who are also Illinois DCFS Director Qualified to join our premier teams in both River North and our upcoming West Loop campus.

This is primarily a full-time classroom teaching position focused on leading instruction, implementing curriculum, and working directly with children. Additionally, because you hold a Director Qualification, you will serve as our trusted Backup Director Designee. In this capacity, you will step into an administrative leadership role on an occasional, as-needed basis—specifically to provide coverage when the permanent Center Director or Assistant Director are out of the building, on vacation, or requiring temporary operational support.

This position is an ideal fit for a passionate educator who wishes to remain anchored in the classroom while utilizing their administrative credentials to support the broader school community.

Core Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities (Classroom Leadership):

• Curriculum Implementation: Create engaging, play-based learning experiences using Kïdo’s globally inspired curriculum, while infusing your own creative teaching ideas.
• Classroom Management: Provide responsive, high-quality child care while confidently leading a dynamic, nurturing preschool or toddler classroom.
• Family Engagement: Build strong, trusting relationships with children and families through excellent daily communication, digital updates, and parent connections.
• Team Collaboration: Foster a nurturing, inspiring environment and collaborate closely with assistant teachers and a supportive, team-oriented staff.

Secondary Responsibilities (Occasional Administrative Backup):

• Backup Director Designee Coverage: Act as the designated Administrator on duty when the core center leadership team is out of the building or unavailable.
• Operational Support: During designated coverage blocks, ensure Illinois DCFS licensing standards, safety protocols, and center checklists are smoothly maintained.
• Point of Contact: Serve as the temporary point of contact for parents and staff during leadership absences, ensuring a secure, professional, and seamless environment.

Must-Have Qualifications (Required by Illinois DCFS)

• Licensing: Must be fully Director Qualified per Illinois DCFS Part 407 regulations (Absolute Requirement).
• Age Requirement: Must be at least 19 years of age (per state licensing regulations for lead-level and administrative roles).
• Education: High School Diploma or GED (with the requisite college credits/degrees required to satisfy the DCFS Director Qualification pathway).
• Experience: Proven classroom teaching experience in a licensed preschool, childcare center, or daycare setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, or a closely related field; or a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
• Background: 2–10 years of experience in early childhood education (experience in a Montessori or Reggio-inspired program is a major plus).
• Language Skills: Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus.

Why Join Kïdo?

We are a people-first childcare organization—our early childhood educators and leaders are at the heart of everything we do.

What we offer our teaching team:

• Competitive Pay: Premium compensation that honors both your teaching excellence and your Director Qualification status.
• Fast-Track Career Advancement: A direct, insider path into permanent Assistant Director or Center Director roles as our Chicago footprint expands.
• Childcare Benefit: Free tuition for your children (18 months–5 years)
• Resources: Fully stocked teacher lounge and a classroom supply cabinet with effortless bi-weekly ordering options.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, paid training, and dedicated school-wide professional development days.
• Referral Perks: $500 referral bonus when you help us grow our team.

Full-time team members also receive:

• Up to 3 weeks of paid time off (PTO) in your first year + paid holidays.
• Your birthday off!
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with strong employer contributions.
• Free life and short-term disability insurance.
• Annual tenure loyalty bonuses.

If you meet the Illinois DCFS Director Qualification requirements but your heart belongs in the classroom, we want to provide a professional, supportive environment where you can do both. Apply today and grow with Kïdo Chicago!

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care, the successful candidate is expected to undergo an enhanced fingerprint-based background check. Kido is an equal opportunity employer.