Lead Toddler & Two's Teachers

The Gardner School; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Childcare tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Gardner School of Oakbrook is hiring a Lead Teacher to guide Toddler & Two's classrooms in our state-of-the-art facility. You will lead with creativity, care, and excellence, mentor assistants, and build strong relationships with families while upholding our Children First values.

You bring 2+ years of early childhood education experience and a CDA or an associate/bachelor degree with ECE coursework. We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits in a mission-driven culture.

Qualifications

• CDA or higher in ECE with required coursework
• Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree with ECE credits (required)
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the classroom with creativity, care, and excellence
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment

Skills

Mentor staff

Classroom leadership

Curriculum planning

Family engagement

Education

CDA or related degree (required)

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education (required)

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)

CPR/First Aid certification (required)

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 Oakbrook! We have an exciting opportunity for Lead Toddler & Two's Teachers working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Oakbrook, 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-$22.00 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, and a supportive, mission-driven culture. Qualifications: Education/Certification: CDA; or Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree, with at least 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education (required); Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree, with at least 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education (preferred) 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. The Gardner School provides children with a nurturing start for a successful future with a premier preschool experience for children. Built on decades of expertise, we promise to provide a school community that is safe, purposeful, and enriching. This commitment is fulfilled through the efforts of our engaged team members, the growth of thriving children, and the satisfaction of happy families. Together we provide exceptional care and education differentiated by our people, program, and promise.