Lead Infant Teacher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

The Gardner School in Naperville, IL is seeking a Lead Infant Teacher to inspire a caring, developmental program in a state-of-the-art preschool. You will mentor assistants, plan developmentally appropriate lessons, and partner with families to support each child.

The starting pay range is $18.75–$23.10 per hour, with benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with company match, tuition discounts, paid holidays, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Two+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead)
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain on hire
• Ability to lift up to ~60 lbs and be on floor for long periods

Responsibilities

• Lead infant classroom with creativity, care, and excellence
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children

Skills

Lead classroom management

Early childhood education

Family communication

Mentoring staff

CPR/First Aid certified

Education

CDA or Associate's degree in ECE (min 6 credits)

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (with 6 ECE credits)

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 Naperville North!We have an exciting opportunity for Lead Infant Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Naperville North, 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 excellenceMentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a DifferenceBuild meaningful relationships with families and childrenPlan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosityMaintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environmentWhat We Offer:Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $18.75-$23.10 per hour, based on education and experienceComprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunitiesCareer Growth: Opportunities for advancement within our growing organizationQualifications: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 (with at least 6 credit hours in ECE) (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 relationshipsAbility 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.