Lead Teacher Early Childhood Education

The Learning Experience - Gurnee; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Job summary

The Learning Experience – Gurnee is seeking a passionate and dependable Lead Teacher to join our early childhood education team. This full-time role is ideal for an experienced childcare professional who is ready to own a classroom, design engaging learning experiences, and help children build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

As a Lead Teacher, you'll collaborate with your classroom team and center leadership to maintain a nurturing, structured environment where

Qualifications

• Experience in licensed daycare/preschool or early childhood education setting required.
• Lead Teacher or classroom leadership experience preferred.
• CDA or related credential strongly preferred.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Must meet Illinois licensing requirements for the assigned classroom.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily classroom routines, activities, and learning experiences.
• Implement The Learning Experience's proprietary L.E.A.P. Curriculum.
• Create developmentally appropriate activities that support cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional development.
• Establish a safe, organized, engaging, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Guide and collaborate with Assistant Teachers to maintain classroom consistency.
• Observe children's development and communicate regularly with families.
• Support positive behavior, independence, and successful classroom transitions.
• Maintain accurate classroom documentation and required records.
• Follow all Illinois childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements.

Skills

Strong classroom management

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Early Childhood Education coursework

CDA or related credential

Job description

Benefits

• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule

Lead Teacher – Early Childhood Education

Location: The Learning Experience – Gurnee, IL

Pay: $18–$19.25 per hour (based on experience and credentials)

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday–Friday

Lead a Classroom Where Children Love to Learn

The Learning Experience – Gurnee is seeking a passionate and dependable Lead Teacher to join our early childhood education team. This full-time position is ideal for an experienced childcare professional who is ready to take ownership of a classroom, create engaging learning experiences, and help children build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

As a Lead Teacher, you'll work closely with your classroom team and center leadership to create a nurturing, structured environment where children feel supported and excited to come to school each day.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily classroom routines, activities, and learning experiences
• Implement The Learning Experience's proprietary L.E.A.P. Curriculum
• Create developmentally appropriate activities that support cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional development
• Establish a safe, organized, engaging, and welcoming classroom environment
• Guide and collaborate with Assistant Teachers to maintain classroom consistency
• Observe children's development and communicate regularly with families
• Support positive behavior, independence, and successful classroom transitions
• Maintain accurate classroom documentation and required records
• Follow all Illinois childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a licensed daycare, preschool, or early childhood education setting required
• Lead Teacher or classroom leadership experience preferred
• Early Childhood Education coursework, CDA, or related credential strongly preferred
• Strong classroom management and communication skills
• Dependable, organized, and comfortable leading a classroom team
• Must meet Illinois licensing requirements for the assigned classroom

What We Offer

• Competitive pay of $18–$19.25 per hour, based on experience and credentials
• Full-time, Monday–Friday schedule
• Paid training and professional development
• Employee childcare discount
• Supportive leadership and collaborative teaching environment
• Opportunities for continued professional and career growth

Apply Today

Join The Learning Experience – Gurnee and take the lead in creating a classroom where children feel safe, supported, challenged, and excited to learn every day.