3s/4s Lead Teacher (Full-Time)

Glencoe Park District•Glencoe, IL

1d•$22 - $33

About The Position

The Glencoe Park District is a nationally accredited, Gold Medal Award–winning agency dedicated to enriching lives, building community, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Our Children’s Circle program is a licensed, full-day early childhood school offering a safe, nurturing, play-based environment that encourages hands-on learning, meaningful interactions, and active exploration for busy families. Join a mission-driven team that invests in its staff and supports professional growth. Anticipated Start Date - June 15th, 2026 Job Summary: Under the direction of the Children’s Circle Classroom Coordinator, the Full-Time Children’s Circle Lead/Co-Lead Teacher is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of participants in the Glencoe Park District Children’s Circle Program.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must be at least 19 years of age.
At least two years of college credit (30 college credits), including six hours in Early Childhood Education from an accredited institution.
General knowledge of DCFS licensing standards and developmentally appropriate practice is required.
DCFS Lead and Assistant Qualifications and Certificates Top of Form Complete all DCFS required paperwork within 60 days of hire.
All full-time employees must pass a criminal background check, drug test, and physical exam, which the Glencoe Park District will cover.
Must possess knowledge of DCFS licensing standards.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Ability to provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Ability to adapt classroom activities and programs to meet the individual needs of each child
Must be able to evaluate and monitor the developmental progress of individual children in the classroom.
Ability to plan and supervise a developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrates the use of developmentally appropriate discipline methods.
Exhibits warmth, acceptance, and consistent nurturing in interactions with children.
Contributes to a harmonious and collaborative workplace through positive relationships with coworkers.

Nice To Haves

An Early Childhood Education degree or a degree in a related field is preferred.
Previous experience in a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)-licensed program is preferred.
DCFS Director Qualifications strongly preferred but not required.
First Aid/CPR/AED Certification within six months of hire
Food Handler Certificate within 30 days of hire

Responsibilities

Plan and lead age-appropriate early childhood learning activities in art, music, literature, science, and math.
Support and supervise activities that promote healthy emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development.
Keep the classroom clean, organized, and well-maintained, including all educational materials and equipment.
Maintain documentation of each child’s growth and development.
Partner with families to support their child’s development and encourage participation in school programs and events; attend parent groups and school functions when possible.
Supervise all classroom and outdoor activities to ensure the safety of each child at all times.
Maintain lesson plans and regularly review learning activities with the Children’s Circle Classroom Coordinator.
Assist children with self-care routines.
Help children with clean-up activities throughout the day.
Administer prescribed medications according to Park District and DCFS guidelines.
Work additional hours as needed to support program needs.
Interact with children in a kind, compassionate, and positive manner.
Engage with children throughout the day by speaking at their eye level and participating during free play and large motor activities when possible.
Follow all Park District policies and DCFS regulations.
Write and submit a weekly recap summarizing classroom activities from the previous week.
Perform other duties as assigned.