Lead Teacher

Children of America; Orland Park (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% employee childcare discount

Educational assistance and TEACHscholR

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Job summary

Children of America is seeking a Lead Teacher in Orland Park, IL to join our team of educators dedicated to early childhood excellence. You will lead daily lessons, help create a safe, structured, and engaging classroom, and collaborate with families and staff to support each child’s growth.

You’ll implement COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum, document progress with families, and contribute to a positive learning community.

Qualifications

• Must have CDA or 60 semester hours with Early Childcare coursework.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare setting.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must meet all state licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily lesson plans.
• Assist in creating a safe, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Communicate professionally with parents, children, and team members.
• Utilize technology to document and deliver child progress reports.
• Exhibit empathy toward children's emotions and parents' needs.
• Present age‑appropriate expectations for children.
• Be creative, passionate, and engaged in your work.
• Lead classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication with parents

Documentation

Empathy

Education

CDA or 60 semester hours incl. Early Childcare

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

About Children of America (COA)

Join Children of America – a nationally accredited preschool with over 65 locations across 18 states. As a Lead Teacher, you will work alongside a talented team of educators in a supportive environment where you are encouraged to grow professionally and share your passion for early childhood education.

Our programs serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre‑K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp. Our culture encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work, because your unique perspectives and experiences make our team stronger.

Who You'll Interact With

This role interacts daily with children, parents, management, and teaching staff to support a collaborative and positive learning environment.

Minimum Requirements

• CDA or 60 semester hours of college credits with 6 including Early Childcare.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare setting.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must meet all state licensing requirements.
• Strong organizational and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Flexible and adaptable in challenging situations.
• Commitment to professional growth.

Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities

• Carry out daily lesson plans.
• Assist in creating a safe, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Communicate professionally with parents, children, and team members.
• Utilize technology to document and deliver child progress reports.
• Exhibit empathy toward children's emotions and parents' needs.
• Present age‑appropriate expectations for children.
• Be creative, passionate, and engaged in your work.
• Lead classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum.

Our Shared Mission & Values

• Accountability: Take responsibility, learn from mistakes, and uphold COA's mission and values.
• Collaboration: Align solutions that meet stakeholder needs.
• Growth Mindset: Treat challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.
• Integrity: Make decisions ethically and consider their impact on all stakeholders.
• Consistency: Ensure continuity of care and clear expectations for children and families.

Benefits

• Internal career advancement opportunities.
• 50% employee childcare discount.
• Educational assistance and T.E.A.C.H. scholarship partnerships.
• Employee referral bonuses and recognition programs.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident, disability.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.

Compensation

Hourly rate: $18.72 – $22.35 per hour. Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. This role may also be eligible for performance‑based incentives or other benefits.

Legal Compliance

Children of America is committed to fair and transparent hiring practices. This job description is intended to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state‑specific pay transparency regulations.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.

Children of America is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.