Type04 (Early Childhood) PEL Teacher

SE Asiacenter; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursements

Professional development

Cross-cultural environment

Job summary

Bridge International School at South-East Asia Center in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood seeks a qualified EC-PEL teacher to lead a year‑round Preschool for All funded classroom as the primary educator, aligned with our cross‑cultural teaching philosophy.

You will deliver a research‑based curriculum aligned with Illinois standards, conduct developmental screenings, maintain detailed educational records, facilitate family conferences, and collaborate with the Director of the Child Care Program to

Qualifications

• A valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Early Childhood Education endorsement is required.
• Level5 Gateway Credential is preferred.
• Illinois Director Credential is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a year‑round Preschool for All funded classroom as primary educator.
• Deliver curriculum aligned with Illinois state standards and SEAC's cross‑cultural approach.
• Conduct developmental screenings and maintain detailed student records.
• Facilitate family conferences and coordinate smooth kindergarten transitions.
• Participate in Reflective Supervision and team meetings to support professional growth.

Skills

Child development

Family engagement

Curriculum alignment

Assessments

Team collaboration

Education

Illinois Professional Educator License with ECE endorsement

Level5 Gateway Credential

Illinois Director Credential

Tools

Teaching Strategies GOLD

Job description

Qualified to lead a classroom team and serve as the primary educator in year‑round Preschool for All (PFA) funded classrooms. PEL with ECE endorsement required.

Responsibilities of EC-PEL Teacher

• Ensure child well‑being through language‑rich interactions, individualized routines, and thoughtfully conducted assessments—respecting performance standards established by SEAC, DCFS, IDHS, ISBE, and other funding partners.
• Conduct developmental screenings in accordance with program requirements.
• Deliver a research‑based early learning curriculum aligned with Illinois state standards and SEAC's Bridge‑building and cross‑cultural teaching philosophy.
• Administer quarterly child assessments usingTeaching Strategies GOLD.
• Facilitate family conferences at least twice annually.
• Engage families through school events, meetings, and in coordinating smooth kindergarten transitions.
• Maintain detailed educational records and documentation for each child, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Facilitate regular classroom team meetings to align strategy and student needs.
• Attend all-staff meetings to coordinate and collaborate with the broader program community.
• Actively participate inReflective Supervision, a structured, trusting, and collaborative process that promotes professional growth through dialogue and reflective supervision
• Report directly to the Director of the Child Care Program.

PEL Requirement

• A validIllinois Professional Educator Licensewith anEarly Childhood Education endorsementis required.
• Level5 Gateway Credentialis preferred.
• Illinois Director Credentialis a plus.

Salary Range

• $28–$32 per hour

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage (employer covers approximately 65%)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Retirement plan
• Opportunities for continuous professional development
• A cross-cultural, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
• Tuition reimbursements

Bridge International School at South-East Asia Center has been serving the Uptown, Chicago neighborhood for over 40 years. Our organization has a diverse student and staff population, with over 25 languages spoken, providing childcare services to families with children ranging from 6 weeks old to school age (up to 12 years old). We are a private, non-profit organization, DCFS licensed, and a DFSS grantee, with cutting-edge, bridge-building, cross-cultural approaches to teaching and learning that align with DFSS’s Creative Curriculum and Early Learning Frameworks.

Learn more at SouthEastAsiaCenter.org