Lead Teacher

The Goddard School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) Matching

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Tuition assistance

Training & development

Wellness resources

Bonus based on performance

Flexible schedule

Opportunity for advancement

Job summary

The Goddard School in Chicago, IL is seeking a Lead Teacher to establish and maintain a safe, nurturing learning environment for young children. You will support social-emotional development, plan activities to boost self-esteem, and foster positive family relations.

Ideal candidates hold a CDA or higher, with ongoing ECE coursework, and have 2+ years in a licensed center or a BA in ECE. Opportunities for growth and advancement are emphasized in our program.

Qualifications

• CDA or higher education coursework with plan to enroll in Early Childhood Education within 12 months at Goddard.
• Commitment to enroll in and complete 6 hours of online or in-person ECE courses within a year.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a licensed early childhood center.
• Bachelor's degree in an early childhood field.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, nurturing learning environment.
• Support each child’s social and emotional development with positive guidance.
• Plan activities that develop self-esteem and social skills.
• Respect cultural and ethnic diversity.
• Establish positive and effective family relations.
• Maintain a portfolio for each child.
• Use assessment tools (e.g., Progress Reports).
• Attend faculty meetings and professional growth opportunities.

Skills

Child interaction

Professional communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

CDA or higher education coursework

Commitment to ECE coursework

2 years experience in licensed center

Bachelor's degree in ECE

Job description

Benefits:

• Childcare discounts
• Professional development and CDA tuition reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness resources

Benefits & Perks of Working at a Goddard School:

• Your well-being is important to us! Our school offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, holiday pay, childcare discounts, and a 401k Plus Match. We offer additional bonuses throughout the year.
• Your professional development is prioritized! Our own Goddard Systems University is accredited by IACET to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Plus, many of our schools offer CDA credentials and provide tuition reimbursement. We also pride ourselves on being promoted from within, so you can continue to grow your career with us.
• You will be a part of a supportive team! Teachers have full support from our directors, including planning or resource time, to be successful in the classroom. We promise to maintain ratios and ensure you have the resources to make your classroom a success.
• We recognize our teachers! We have recognition programs, prizes, and gifts that are offered throughout the year.

General Qualifications

A Lead teacher must meet the qualifications of Illinois and the following qualifications:

• the ability to understand and support the education program using the “learning through play” philosophy;
• the ability to interact closely with children at their level;
• the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with school personnel, children, and parents;
• the ability to comply in all respects with all applicable laws and regulations relating to childcare.
• the ability to lift to 40 lbs in connection with the handling of children for the facilitation of programs, child safety, and potential emergencies. For Infant and Young Toddler Teachers, they must also be able to properly lift infants into and out of a crib.

Educational Qualifications

• A CDA or
• Some college credits in any field with a commitment to enroll in and complete 6 hours of online or in-person courses in Early Childhood Education within a Year of Employment at Goddard (We can pay for this!) or
• 2 years of experience in a Licensed Early Childhood Center or
• A Bachelor's degree in an early childhood field.

Lead Teacher Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment
• Support each child’s social and emotional development and provide positive guidance
• Plan and implement activities that develop children’s self-esteem and social skills
• Respect cultural and ethnic diversity
• Establish positive and effective family relations
• Maintain a portfolio for each child
• Use assessment tools (e.g., Progress Reports, Children’s Progress)
• Attend faculty meetings, in-service days, conferences, and professional growth opportunities.

About Goddard Schools

As part of a larger franchise system, in operation for 35 years, we are the premier spot for early childhood learning for children from six weeks to six years old. We have over 600 franchised Schools with more than 75,000 students in 37 states and Washington D.C. The Goddard School uses the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. All Goddard Schools are held to high standards of education, care, and safety.