Preschool Lead Teacher - Early Childhood Education

The Learning Experience - Gurnee; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Training & development

Flexible schedule

Opportunity for advancement

Free uniforms

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Learning Experience - Gurnee is seeking a passionate Preschool Lead Teacher to create engaging learning experiences and build strong family relationships. Lead a classroom to help children develop the confidence and skills they need for kindergarten, combining creativity with solid classroom management.

Qualified candidates will have DCFS Lead Teacher credentials, an ECE degree (or equivalent), and experience in early childhood education.

Qualifications

• Must meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher qualifications for a licensed childcare center.
• Education may be an associate or bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education or DCFS-approved combo.
• Previous professional childcare/preschool classroom experience required.
• Preschool teaching experience strongly preferred.
• Strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Preschool classroom activities and routines.
• Plan and implement engaging lessons using LEAP Curriculum.
• Support early literacy, math, science, language, and social-emotional development.
• Create hands-on learning experiences through art, music, movement, and play.
• Encourage independence, problem-solving, and positive peer relationships.
• Use developmentally appropriate classroom management and positive guidance.
• Observe, assess, and document children's developmental progress.
• Guide and collaborate with Assistant Teachers.
• Build strong relationships and communicate regularly with families.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
• Follow Illinois DCFS licensing, health, and safety requirements.

Skills

Strong classroom management

Clear communication

Organizational skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

DCFS Lead Teacher qualifications or equivalent

Job description

Benefits:

• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule

Preschool Lead Teacher - Early Childhood Education

Location: The Learning Experience - Gurnee, IL

Pay: $19.25 per hour

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday

About the Opportunity

Are you an experienced Preschool Teacher ready to lead a classroom where children are excited to learn every day?

The Learning Experience - Gurnee is seeking a passionate and qualified Preschool Lead Teacher to create engaging learning experiences, build strong relationships with families, and help children develop the confidence and skills they need for kindergarten.

We're looking for an educator who combines creativity, strong classroom management, and a genuine love of early childhood education.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily Preschool classroom activities and routines
• Plan and implement engaging lessons using The Learning Experience's L.E.A.P. Curriculum
• Support early literacy, math, science, language, and social-emotional development
• Create hands‑on learning experiences through art, music, movement, and play
• Encourage independence, problem‑solving, and positive peer relationships
• Use developmentally appropriate classroom management and positive guidance
• Observe, assess, and document children's developmental progress
• Guide and collaborate with Assistant Teachers
• Build strong relationships and communicate regularly with families
• Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging classroom environment
• Follow Illinois DCFS licensing, health, and safety requirements

Qualifications

• Must meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher qualifications for a licensed childcare center
• Qualifying education may include an associate or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or another DCFS-approved combination of education and experience
• Previous professional childcare, daycare, or preschool classroom experience required
• Preschool teaching experience strongly preferred
• Strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to lead a classroom and collaborate effectively with teaching teams
• Patient, dependable, creative, and passionate about early childhood education

What We Offer

• $19.25 per hour
• Full-time Monday-Friday schedule
• Paid training and professional development
• Employee childcare discount
• Supportive leadership and collaborative teaching team
• Opportunities for continued professional growth

We look forward to meeting passionate educators who are ready to make a difference.