Lead Teacher- IL

Children of America, LLC; Flossmoor (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Internal career advancement

50% employee childcare discount

Educational assistance and TEACH

Employee referral bonuses

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation, sick time, holidays

Job summary

Children of America is seeking a Lead Teacher to join a nationwide network of early childhood education centers. You will collaborate with a team of educators to implement the Mind and Body Matters curriculum, carry out lesson plans, and foster a safe, nurturing classroom atmosphere for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old.

Ideal candidates bring CDA or 60 college credits with Early Childcare focus, plus 1 year of licensed childcare experience.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily lesson plans.
• Create 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

Organizational skills

Relationship-building

Adaptability

Communication

Education

CDA or 60 college hours

Tools

CPR/First Aid

Job description

About Children of America (COA):

Join Children of America - a nationally accredited preschool with 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

• Responsible for carrying 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

Hourly rate: $19.71-$21.29 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.

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.

The listed responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation range reflect the essential functions and expectations of the role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity.

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.

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