Lead Infant, Toddler, Twos Educator

Village Voyager LLC DBA Kido International Preschool; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

People-focused culture

PD & career growth

Work-life balance

Childcare benefit

Classroom support

Health benefits

Bonuses

Job summary

Village Voyager LLC DBA Kido International Preschool in Chicago's West Loop is seeking a Lead Infant, Toddler, and Twos Educator to design and lead state‑of‑the‑art classrooms. You will implement a play‑based curriculum, ensure safety and emotional well‑being, and partner with families from day one.

The role requires DCFS lead qualifications or equivalent, with potential for growth into a senior teaching role within a pioneering early learning community.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required for DCFS Lead Teacher licensure.
• 60 sem. hours or 90 quarter hours with ECE content qualifies for Lead Teacher.
• CDA credential is an acceptable lead qualification under DCFS.
• Associate or Bachelor in ECE/related field fulfills lead teacher requirements.
• Bachelor's in ECE is preferred for career growth.

Responsibilities

• Design, establish and lead Infant, Toddler, and Twos classrooms.
• Deliver play‑based curriculum and adapt to ages served.
• Maintain safety, routine and developmental support for children.
• Foster strong family partnerships with daily communications.
• Collaborate with teaching team to maintain a joyful classroom culture.

Skills

5-10 years teaching experience

Montessori or Reggio-inspired

Education

High School Diploma or GED

60 sem. hours / 90 quarter hours with ECE content

CDA credential

Associate or Bachelor in ECE/related

Bachelor's degree in ECE (preferred)

Job description

Lead Infant, Toddler, Twos Educator

At Kïdo, we are redefining early childhood education by blending the world’s most respected global practices into a modern, innovative framework. We build beautifully designed, high-quality centers where children are empowered to lead their own journeys of discovery, and we back our educators with a deeply supportive, people‑first professional culture.

Joining our team means stepping into a forward‑thinking environment where your unique teaching creativity is valued, your professional growth is actively funded, and you can play a pivotal role in shaping a world‑class early learning community from the ground up.

Location: Chicago, IL (West Loop)

Join the Founding Team for Our Upcoming West Loop Launch!

Kïdo West Loop is expanding our Chicago footprint! As we prepare to launch our brand‑new, state‑of‑the‑art campus, we are opening applications for multiple immediate openings across our early childhood classrooms. We are actively hiring professional Lead Teachers to design, establish, and lead our Infant, Toddler, and Twos classrooms. In addition, we have openings for passionate Assistant Teachers looking to make a difference in the lives of young children.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to listen to children’s needs, learn alongside them every day, and lead with creativity and purpose, Kïdo is the community you’ve been looking for. Apply now to secure your spot on this exciting new team as we prepare for our grand opening!

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Inspire Learning & Implement Curriculum: Use our thoughtfully designed, play‑based curriculum to deliver engaging lesson plans tailored specifically for infants, toddlers, or two‑year‑olds to spark curiosity and support early child development.
• Classroom Management & Responsive Care: Support the daily growth, safety, and emotional well‑being of young children through responsive care, individualized infant/toddler schedules, and positive classroom management.
• Build Strong Relationships: Partner closely with families from day one through excellent daily communication, updates, and meaningful parent‑teacher connections regarding each child’s developmental milestones.
• Collaborate with Your Teaching Team: Work alongside assistant teachers and a talented team of founding educators to set up, organize, and maintain a clean, joyful, and purposeful preschool classroom culture.
• Make a Lasting Impact: Support early social‑emotional, cognitive, and physical growth in a nurturing, inclusive early childhood learning environment.

Minimum Qualifications (Required by Illinois DCFS)

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• Proven experience teaching or working in a licensed preschool, daycare, or childcare center setting.
• Must meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher qualifications: Choose one of the following pathways:
  • 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of college credit from an accredited university, with at least 6 semester hours directly in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development.
  • A valid CDA (Child Development Associate) credential.
  • An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
• 5–10 years of classroom teaching experience in a licensed childcare setting.
• 2–3 years of experience in a Montessori or Reggio‑inspired early learning environment.

Why You’ll Love Working Here (Benefits & Perks)

• People‑Focused Culture: We prioritize our teaching team, offering a highly collaborative, supportive workplace where you can truly thrive.
• Professional Development & Career Growth: Paid professional development days, tuition reimbursement, and a clear internal advancement path.
• Work‑Life Balance: Competitive salary, 2 weeks of paid vacation, 1 week of sick time, paid holidays, and your birthday off.
• Childcare Benefit: Free tuition for your child (ages 18 months to 5 years).
• Classroom Support: Fully stocked teacher lounge and bi‑weekly classroom supply ordering so you never have to buy your own materials.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus company‑paid short‑term disability and life insurance.
• Financial Bonuses: Annual tenure loyalty bonuses and a $500 referral bonus program.

Be part of something extraordinary! Apply today to join our Chicago founding team and help launch our beautiful new West Loop campus.

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.

Salary Information

$18.5 – $24 hourly wage