Preschool Lead Teacher

Cadence Education; Oswego Township (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Cadence Education is hiring a Preschool Lead Teacher to join our team of dedicated educators. You’ll plan and deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum, lead classroom operations, and support the physical, social, and emotional growth of every child.

Under the supervision of the School Director, you’ll partner with families and colleagues to create a safe, engaging learning environment, ensure licensing compliance, and help children with diverse needs, including those with IEPs.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• 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 preferred, depending on education and credentials.
• Background checks and health screenings required.
• CDA, CCP, EEC or NAC credential preferred but not required if state requirements are met.

Responsibilities

• Create warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Build positive relationships with children and families, including daily greetings and ongoing communication.
• Recognize and respond to diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs; implement IEPs and behavioral support plans.
• Plan, implement, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence education philosophy and Signature Programs.
• Communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership using Cadence-required systems.
• Maintain a safe and well-supervised classroom per Safety Manual.
• Document and report accidents, incidents, and escalated behaviors per policy and licensing requirements.
• Follow all Cadence Education policies, procedures, and standards in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled hours.

Skills

Safety procedures

Classroom management

English communication

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education

Job description

• 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 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.

#CRIL

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

• Comp etitive compensation, Pay Range $18.29- $ 23.77
• On demand pay with UKG Wallet
• 50% childcare tuition discount
• 401(k) with empl oyer 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