Preschool Lead Teacher

KinderCare Education LLC; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision

Discounted child care

Generous paid time off

Education assistance

Retirement plan with employer match

Job summary

KinderCare Education is hiring a Lead Teacher to mentor colleagues, implement our curriculum, and foster a safe, nurturing classroom where children can learn and grow. You will collaborate with parents and center staff to drive enrollment, accreditation, and engagement, while building strong ties with families and the community.

A CDA or NAEYC candidacy and state trainer credentials are highly valued. Preferred candidates bring 2–3 years of ECE experience and a Bachelor's in Early Childhood

Qualifications

• Must possess active Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or meet NAEYC candidacy requirements
• Approved state trainer (preferred)
• 2-3 years Early Childhood Education Experience (preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
• CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain
• Must meet state specific guidelines for the role
• Must be physically able to lift 40 pounds and engage with children
• Ability to speak, read, and write English

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and mentor less experienced teachers in your classroom; model behaviors and provide feedback.
• Implement KCE's curriculum in a way that is consistent with the unique needs of each child.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment where children can play and learn.
• Partner and communicate with parents, with a shared desire to provide the best care and education for their children.
• Support your center's success; partner with center staff and leadership to achieve goals around enrollment, accreditation, and engagement.
• Cultivate positive relationships with families, teachers, state licensing authorities, community contacts and corporate partners.

Skills

Relationship building

Customer service

Multitasking

English proficiency

CDA credential/NAEYC candidacy

State trainer (preferred)

ECE experience (2-3 years, preferred)

Bachelor's in ECE (preferred)

CPR & First Aid certification

Physical ability to lift 40 lbs

Education

CDA credential or NAEYC candidacy

Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

State trainer certification (preferred)

Tools

Computer proficiency

Job description

KinderCare Education is the nation's leader in early childhood education. We nourish curiosity through purposeful experiences to create a future full of lifelong learners. From our National Support Center, to the classrooms where learning comes to life, we're united by a passion to create a world of learning, joy and adventure for more than 161,000 children ages six-weeks through 12 years every day.

Our Teachers bring warmth, patience, and understanding to the classroom every day, encouraging children to learn and grow. They inspire children to be lifelong learners using our nationally recognized curriculum that promotes social, physical, verbal, and cognitive development. Our Teachers are committed to making their center successful and know that creating meaningful relationships with children, families, and their team play a crucial role in that success.

When you join our team as a Lead Teacher you will:

• Lead, coach and mentor less experienced teachers in your classroom; model behaviors and provide feedback.
• Implement KCE's curriculum in a way that is consistent with the unique needs of each child.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment where children can play and learn.
• Partner and communicate with parents, with a shared desire to provide the best care and education for their children.
• Support your center's success; partner with center staff and leadership to achieve goals around enrollment, accreditation, and engagement.
• Cultivate positive relationships with families, teachers, state licensing authorities, community contacts and corporate partners.

Required Skills and Experience:

• A love for children and a strong desire to make a difference every day.
• Ability to build relationships with families and coworkers and create a dynamic environment where play and learning happens.
• Outstanding customer service skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple situations effectively
• Must possess active Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or meet NAEYC candidacy requirements
• Approved state trainer (preferred)
• 2-3 years Early Childhood Education Experience(preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
• CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain
• Must meet state specific guidelines for the role
• Must be physically able to use a computer with basic proficiency, lift a minimum of 40 pounds, and work indoors or outdoors. Must be able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity with children.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English.

The benefits our career professionals enjoy:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Discounted child care
• Generous paid time off
• Education assistance and reimbursement
• Medical expense reimbursement/ Life insurance/Disability benefits/ Health and wellness programs
• 401(k) savings and investment plan with employer match

In addition to a rewarding career where you help shape children's futures, KinderCare Education provides a competitive compensation package. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Discounted child care
• Generous paid time off
• Education assistance and reimbursement
• Medical expense reimbursement/ Life insurance/Disability benefits/ Health and wellness programs
• 401(k) savings and investment plan with employer match

KinderCare Education employs more than 32,000 team members across 1,700 locations nationwide. Our devoted family of education providers leads the nation in accreditation and includes KinderCare Learning Centers, KinderCare Education at Work, Champions Before- and After-School Programs, Cambridge Schools , Knowledge Beginnings and The Grove School.

KinderCare Education is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.