Lead Teacher (Early Childhood)

Children of America, Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Career advancement

Educational assistance

Scholarship partnerships

Insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Professional development

Nationally accredited organization

Job summary

Children of America is seeking a Lead Teacher to grow with a nationally accredited early childhood education organization. In this role you will create engaging, age-appropriate lessons, foster relationships with children and families, and contribute to a warm, structured learning environment.

You'll implement COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum, collaborate with teaching teams, and participate in ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• CDA or 60 semester hours of college credit.
• 1 year of experience in licensed childcare or early childhood education.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification.
• Ability to meet state childcare licensing requirements.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well in a teaching team.
• Positive, patient, and nurturing approach with children.
• Commitment to providing high-quality care and education.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging, age-appropriate classroom activities and instruction.
• Implement daily lesson plans and COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and structured learning environment.
• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Build positive relationships with children and their families.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents.
• Observe and document children's developmental progress.
• Complete child progress reports using classroom technology.
• Establish appropriate classroom routines, expectations, and procedures.
• Work closely with Assistant Teachers and other members of the teaching team.
• Provide children with patience, encouragement, empathy, and positive guidance.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom.
• Participate in professional development and continued learning.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Positive nurturing approach

Patience

Education

CDA or 60 semester hours of college credit

1 year of experience in licensed childcare or ECE setting

CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Lead Teacher – $18.08–$21.00/hr | 50% Childcare Discount | Career Growth

Make a difference every day at Children of America!

Are you passionate about working with children and looking for a Lead Teacher position where you can grow your career? Join Children of America (COA) and become part of a team dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education in a fun, supportive, and engaging environment.

As a Lead Teacher, you'll have the opportunity to create meaningful learning experiences, build relationships with children and families, and make an impact during some of the most important years of a child's development.

Why Join Children of America?

• $18.08–$21.00 per hour
• 50% employee childcare discount
• Career advancement opportunities
• Educational assistance & T.E.A.C.H. scholarship partnerships
• Employee referral bonuses & recognition programs
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Life, accident & disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick time & holidays
• Professional development and ongoing training
• Opportunity to grow with a nationally accredited childcare organization

About Children of America

Children of America is a nationally accredited early childhood education organization with 65+ locations across 18 states.

We care for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, including:

• Infants
• Toddlers
• Preschool
• Pre-K
• Before & After Care
• Summer Camp

At COA, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We encourage our teachers to bring their whole selves to work, share their ideas, and continue developing professionally.

What You'll Do

As a Lead Teacher / Preschool Teacher, you will:

• Lead engaging, age-appropriate classroom activities and instruction
• Implement daily lesson plans and COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum
• Create a safe, nurturing, and structured learning environment
• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Build positive relationships with children and their families
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents
• Observe and document children's developmental progress
• Complete child progress reports using classroom technology
• Establish appropriate classroom routines, expectations, and procedures
• Work closely with Assistant Teachers and other members of the teaching team
• Provide children with patience, encouragement, empathy, and positive guidance
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom
• Participate in professional development and continued learning

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an enthusiastic Lead Teacher, Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, or Childcare Teacher who enjoys creating a positive classroom experience for young children.

Requirements:

• CDA or 60 semester hours of college credit, including applicable Early Childhood Education coursework
• At least 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting
• CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification
• Ability to meet all applicable state childcare licensing requirements
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a teaching team
• A positive, patient, and nurturing approach with children
• Commitment to providing high-quality care and education

Grow Your Career With COA

At Children of America, being a teacher can be the beginning of a long-term career in early childhood education.

Whether you're an experienced Lead Teacher or an early childhood educator ready to take the next step, we provide opportunities to develop your skills, take on additional responsibilities, and advance within our organization.

Your classroom matters. Your work matters. And the children you teach matter.

Compensation

$18.08–$21.00 per hour

Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, and internal equity. This position may also be eligible for performance-based incentives and other applicable benefits.

Children of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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