Lead Toddler Teacher

The Gardner School; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Childcare tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Gardner School of Northbrook is seeking a Lead Teacher to inspire a warm, child-centered classroom and drive excellence in early childhood education. You will mentor assistants, build strong family relationships, and deliver engaging lessons that support development and joy in learning.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth opportunities within a mission-driven culture that values children first and making a difference in every day activities.

Qualifications

• CDA or higher in Early Childhood Education with relevant credentials.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• 2+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead).

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellence.
• Mentor assistant teachers and model core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, Make a Difference.
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children.
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity.
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment.

Skills

Leadership

Classroom management

Family engagement

Lesson planning

Education

CDA credential

Bachelor’s/Associate in ECE

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

We're Hiring! Join our team as a Lead Teacher at The Gardner School of Northbrook!

We have an exciting opportunity for Lead Toddler Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Northbrook, we believe learning begins with love - for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellence
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School's core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $18.70-$23.10 per hour, based on education and experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities
• Career Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, access to our company-sponsored CDA program, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• CDA; or Bachelor's or Associate's in Early Childhood Education or related, with at least 6 credit hours in ECE
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

Experience

• 2+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead experience preferred)

Knowledge, Skills And Physical Requirements

• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required)
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required)
• Active engagement throughout the day including standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to ~60 lbs.
• Ability to fulfill cognitive and interpersonal aspects of a classroom leadership including speaking, hearing, reading, writing, focusing attention, and building relationships.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.