Lead Infant Teacher

The Gardner School; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Gardner School Lincolnshire is seeking a Lead Infant Teacher to guide a warm, developmentally focused classroom. You will mentor assistants, model core values, build meaningful relationships with families, and plan engaging lessons that spark curiosity and joy.

Join a mission-driven team in a state-of-the-art preschool where growth is supported, safety is prioritized, and your contributions are celebrated daily.

Qualifications

• Education/Certification: CDA or Associate's degree with at least 6 credit hours in ECE (required); Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree (preferred)
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Experience: 2+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead experience preferred)
• Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements: Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. Regular attendance. Ability to lift up to ~60 lbs. and engage children throughout the day.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellence
• Mentor assistant teachers and model core values
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Lesson planning

Safety compliance

Education

CDA or AA in ECE

Bachelor’s in ECE or related

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. We're Hiring! Join our team as a Lead Teacher at The Gardner School of Lincolnshire! We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Infant Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Lincolnshire, we believe learning begins with love — for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellence
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $18.70-$23.10 per hour, based on education and experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities
• Career Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.

Qualifications:

• Education/Certification: CDA or Associate's degree with at least 6 credit hours in ECE (required); Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree (preferred)
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Experience: 2+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead experience preferred)
• Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements: Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required) Regular and reliable attendance. Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required) Active engagement throughout the day including standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to ~60 lbs. Ability to fulfill cognitive and interpersonal aspects of a classroom leadership including speaking, hearing, reading, writing, focusing attention, and building relationships Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.

The Gardner School provides children with a nurturing start for a successful future with a premier preschool experience for children. Built on decades of expertise, we promise to provide a school community that is safe, purposeful, and enriching. This commitment is fulfilled through the efforts of our engaged team members, the growth of thriving children, and the satisfaction of happy families. Together we provide exceptional care and education differentiated by our people, program, and promise.