Lead Preschool Teacher

AACTE; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

AACTE in St. Charles, Illinois seeks a Preschool Lead Teacher to plan developmentally appropriate activities, maintain a safe, engaging classroom, and foster positive relationships with children and families.

This full-time role requires meeting Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher qualifications via one of the listed pathways (60 or 30 hours, CDA, or Gateways). Competitive hourly pay from $20.00 to $23.00, and a fast-track interview process.

Qualifications

• Meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher requirements under §407.140 via one of the three pathways.
• Background checks and fingerprinting completed successfully.
• Medical examination and TB clearance prior to start date.
• Strong classroom management skills and professional communication.
• Passion for working with young children and reliable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement age-appropriate educational activities and lesson plans.
• Create a nurturing, safe, and engaging classroom environment.
• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Maintain positive communication with families regarding student progress.
• Maintain health, safety, and supervision standards.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers and administrative staff.

Education

60 semester hours of college coursework

6 semester hours in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field

30 semester hours of college coursework

1 year of experience in licensed childcare center

6 semester hours in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

Gateways to Opportunity Level 3 Credential

Job description

Preschool Lead Teacher

St. Charles, IL

$20.00 to $23.00 per Hour

Full-Time

Join Our Growing Early Childhood Education Team!

We are seeking a passionate, nurturing, and qualified Preschool Lead Teacher to join our high-quality early childhood education center in St. Charles, Illinois.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced educator who is committed to creating a positive learning environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. If you meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher qualifications and are looking to secure a rewarding position before the upcoming school year, we encourage you to apply today.

We are actively interviewing qualified candidates and moving quickly through the hiring process.

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay
• Supportive and Collaborative Team Environment
• Well-Equipped Classroom and Learning Resources
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Stable Full-Time Position
• Fast-Track Interview Process

Position Overview

As the Preschool Lead Teacher, you will be responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, maintaining a safe and engaging classroom environment, and fostering positive relationships with children and families.

You will play a key role in supporting children's growth and development while ensuring compliance with all licensing and program requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement age-appropriate educational activities and lesson plans
• Create a nurturing, safe, and engaging classroom environment
• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Maintain positive communication with families regarding student progressManage classroom routines, schedules, and transitions effectively
• Observe and document children's development and milestones
• Maintain compliance with Illinois DCFS regulations and center policies
• Collaborate with fellow teachers and administrative staff
• Promote a positive and inclusive classroom culture
• Ensure health, safety, and supervision standards are consistently maintained

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher requirements under Section 407.140 through one of the following pathways:

Option 1

• Minimum 60 semester hours of college coursework from an accredited college or university
• At least 6 semester hours in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field

Option 2

• Minimum 30 semester hours of college coursework
• At least 1 year of experience working in a licensed childcare center
• Minimum 6 semester hours in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field

Option 3

• Valid Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

OR

• Gateways to Opportunity Level 3 Credential (or higher)

Additional Requirements

• Ability to complete and pass all required background checks
• Ability to complete fingerprinting requirements
• Medical examination and TB clearance prior to start date
• Strong classroom management skills
• Professional, positive, and energetic communication style
• Passion for working with young children
• Reliable attendance and punctuality

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Lead Teacher experience in a preschool or childcare setting
• Early Childhood Education degree or coursework beyond minimum requirements
• Experience implementing curriculum and lesson planning
• Strong family engagement and communication skills
• Knowledge of Illinois DCFS regulations and licensing requirements

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate:

• Loves working with young children
• Creates engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences
• Brings warmth, patience, and professionalism to the classroom
• Works collaboratively with families and colleagues
• Maintains a high level of organization and accountability
• Is committed to helping children build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning