Lead Toddler Teacher - Flexible Schedule

The Goddard School; Deerfield (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Holiday pay

Childcare discounts

Job summary

The Goddard School in Illinois is seeking a Lead Teacher to create a safe, engaging classroom where children learn through play and build social skills. You will guide early childhood development with supportive supervision from directors, ensuring a foundation for joyful, confident learners.

You will foster strong family relationships, deliver planned activities, and adhere to safety and regulatory standards while working with a dedicated teaching team.

Qualifications

• Ability to support the education program using the learning‑through‑play philosophy.
• Ability to interact closely with children at their level.
• Ability to communicate effectively with school personnel, children, and parents.
• Ability to comply with childcare laws and regulations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs for child handling and safety.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, nurturing learning environment.
• Support each child’s social and emotional development and provide positive guidance.
• Plan and implement activities that develop children’s self‑esteem and social skills.
• Respect cultural and ethnic diversity.
• Establish positive and effective family relations.

Skills

Learning through play

Communicating with families

Child interaction at eye level

Team collaboration

Education

CDA

Some college credits with ECE commitment

2 years of licensed center experience

Bachelor's in early childhood education

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Signing bonus
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance

Are you passionate about positively impacting children's lives and making a difference in the world of early childhood education? Are you an energetic, nurturing person looking for a workplace that's supportive and fun? If so, then The Goddard School is the place for you! We offer a premium educational experience in our state-of-the-art facilities that is full of passion and enthusiasm. We are committed to providing a safe, dynamic, and nurturing environment that will allow every child to develop into a joyful and confident learner prepared for success in school and in life.

Benefits & Perks of Working at a Goddard School:

• Your well-being is important to us! Our school offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, holiday pay, childcare discounts, and, and a 401k Plus Match. Additionally, we offer additional bonuses throughout the year.
• Your professional development is prioritized! Our own Goddard Systems University is accredited by IACET to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Plus, many of our schools offer CDA credentials and provide tuition reimbursement. We also pride ourselves on promoting from within so you can continue to grow your career with us.
• You will be a part of a supportive team! Teachers have full support from our directors, including planning or resource time, to be successful in the classroom. We promise to maintain ratios and ensure you have the resources to make your classroom a success.
• We recognize our teachers! We have recognition programs, prizes, and gifts that are offered throughout the year.

General Qualifications

An Lead teacher must meet the qualifications of Illinois and the following qualifications:

• the ability to understand and support the education program using “learning through play” philosophy;
• the ability to interact closely with children at their level;
• the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with school personnel, children and parents;
• the ability to comply in all respects with all applicable laws and regulations relating to childcare.
• the ability to lift up to 50 lbs in connection with the handling of children for the facilitation of programs, child safety, and potential emergency situations. For Infant and Young Toddler Teachers, must also be able to properly lift infants into and out of a crib.

Educational Qualifications

• A CDA or
• Some college credits in any field with a commitment to enroll in and complete 6 hours of online or in-person courses in Early Childhood Education within a Year of Employment at Goddard (We can pay for this!) or
• 2 years of experience in a Licensed Early Childhood Center or
• A Bachelor's degree in an early childhood field.

Lead Teacher Responsibilities

A Lead Teacher’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment
• Support each child’s social and emotional development and provide positive guidance
• Plan and implement activities that develop children’s self-esteem, social skills
• Respect cultural and ethnic diversity
• Establish positive and effective family relations