Preschool Lead Teacher

Stepping Stones Nursery School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-demand pay with UKG Wallet

50% childcare tuition discount

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

Cadence Education is seeking a Preschool Lead Teacher in Chicago, IL to provide engaging early childhood instruction and a nurturing learning environment. You will deliver Cadence Education programs, communicate with families, and support the growth and safety of every child.

The role emphasizes planning age-appropriate curriculum, maintaining licensing compliance, and collaborating with a team under the School Director’s direction. On-site employment offers full-time hours and benefits.

Qualifications

• Follow safety procedures including daycare health and safety policies.
• Manage classroom with structure, consistency, and care.
• Strong written and verbal English communication.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Build positive, professional relationships with children and families.
• Recognize and address diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs.
• Plan, implement, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Maintain safe, well-supervised classroom per policy and licensing.
• Document accidents, incidents, and escalated behaviors per procedures.
• Participate in trainings and meetings as required.

Skills

Safety procedures

Classroom management

English communication

Education

ECE degree preferred

Job description

Job Location : Address

1025 W Van Buren St

Company Overview

We are hiring a Preschool Lead Teacher to join our team of dedicated educators. If you’re passionate about early childhood development and have experience in childcare, daycare, or preschool education, we’d love to meet you.

Why Join Us?We’re a community of professionals who care deeply about children and their growth. Our schools foster collaboration, open communication, and a supportive work environment. We prioritize work-life balance and provide the tools and resources you need to succeed.

Under the direction of the School Director, the Lead Teacher plays a vital role in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children. This position is responsible for planning and delivering curriculum, leading classroom operations, and implementing Cadence Education programs while supporting the physical, social, emotional, and developmental needs of all children—including those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Lead Teachers are classroom leaders who model professionalism, ensure compliance with licensing and safety requirements, and partner with families and team members to support each child’s growth and success.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation: Pay Range: $18.59- $24.16
• On demand pay with UKG Wallet
• 50% childcare tuition discount
• 401(k) with employer match
• Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:
• Paid time off that increases with seniority
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, vision options available
• Additional life, disability, and retirement plans
• Educational and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company-paid life insurance
• Pet insurance
• Paid CDA

Job Description

What You’ll Do

• Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where every child is treated with dignity, respect, and care.
• Build positive, professional relationships with children and families, including daily greetings and ongoing communication.
• Recognize and respond to diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including implementing IEPs and behavioral support plans as required.
• Plan, implement, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence educational philosophy and Signature Programs.
• Use Cadence-required systems and communication tools to communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership.
• Maintain a safe and well-supervised classroom, following the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual at all times.
• Accurately document and report accidents, incidents, and escalated behaviors in accordance with company policy and licensing requirements.
• Follow all Cadence Education policies, procedures, and standards outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to follow all safety procedures, including Name-to-Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle-feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
• Ability to manage a classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Education

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.

Experience

• Must meet state licensing requirements for Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center.
• A minimum of 6-12 months of early childhood or classroom experience is preferred, depending on education and credentials.

Credentials & Licensing

• Must meet all Department of Health Services (DHS) licensing qualifications for Lead Teachers, which may include:
  • High school diploma or GED plus required experience or
  • College coursework in early childhood education or
  • CDA, CCP, EEC or NAC credential
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
• CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are met.

Scheduling Requirements (Please Review Carefully)

• Flexibility is essential. Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs.
• Work schedules may vary and are not guaranteed to be eight-hour shifts.
• Daily end times may vary and cannot be guaranteed. #LI-Onsite

#CRIL

Job Location : City

Chicago

Job Location : State/Province

IL