Lead Two's & Prekindergarten Teachers

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

The Gardner School of Warrenville is seeking a Lead Teacher to inspire and guide early learners in our state-of-the-art preschool. You will lead the classroom with creativity, care, and high standards, while modeling our core values and building strong family relationships.

Qualified candidates have a CDA or higher in Early Childhood Education, CPR/First Aid certification, and 2+ years of teaching experience in early childhood settings. Competitive hourly pay and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Proven certification in CPR/First Aid is required or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• CDA or Associate's degree with ECE coursework is required.
• Bachelor's degree in ECE or related field preferred with applicable coursework.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Early childhood education

Admin tasks

Communication with families

Education

CDA or Associate's degree with 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree with 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education

Current CPR/First Aid certification

Tools

PC skills

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 Warrenville!

We have an exciting opportunity for Lead Two's & Prekindergarten Teachers working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Warrenville, 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 Associate's degree with 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education (required); Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree with 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.
• Passion for early childhood education and a nurturing, joyful approach to care.
• 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.
• Interest in growing within a supportive, mission-driven preschool environment.
• 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.