Lead Pre Kindergarten Teacher

The Goddard School • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Goddard School of South Loop in Chicago is hiring a full-time Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher to guide four- and five-year-old children as they prepare for Kindergarten. The teacher owns the classroom and creates an engaging, purposeful learning environment that balances intentional teaching with play, exploration, and child-led learning. Kindergarten readiness includes academic foundations as well as confidence, independence, communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, classroom habits, and enthusiasm for learning. The school emphasizes that children develop at their own pace and aims to help them feel prepared socially, emotionally, and academically for their next school experience.

The role includes building trusting relationships with children and families; planning developmentally appropriate learning experiences; observing and documenting children's progress; and communicating that progress thoughtfully with families. The teacher also maintains an organized, welcoming classroom, actively supervises children and protects their safety, and leads supporting teachers in consistent expectations and routines. The position involves collaboration with school leadership and educators, participation in school events and professional development, and support for children's transition to Kindergarten.

The school describes its leadership approach as support, coaching, and accountability. Teachers can expect access to resources, guidance, training, and opportunities for professional growth, alongside high expectations for safety, professionalism, reliability, classroom engagement, and quality education. Candidates should be reflective, receptive to feedback, dependable, and committed to developing their teaching practice. The posting notes that the candidate should be COVID vaccinated.

Compensation is $19.00–$23.00 per hour, based on education and experience. Benefits and eligibility may vary by position and location. Each school is privately owned and operated by a Goddard School franchisee, who sets local wages and benefit programs.

Requirements

• Experience teaching preschool- or Pre-K-aged children.
• Ability to meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher requirements.
• Knowledge of child development and Kindergarten readiness expectations.
• Strong classroom management and positive guidance skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to observe, document, and communicate children's developmental progress.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of an early childhood classroom.
• Commitment to maintaining licensing, health, and safety requirements.
• The candidate should be COVID vaccinated.
• Dependability and professionalism in communication with families, coworkers, and leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Early Childhood Education coursework, a degree, CDA, or equivalent qualifications.
• Experience teaching preschool or Pre-K.
• Experience as a preschool teacher who meets Lead Teacher qualifications and is ready to take on a Pre-K leadership role.
• Interest in professional development, coaching, and continuing to grow as an educator.

Responsibilities

• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate Pre-K learning experiences.
• Support Kindergarten readiness in literacy, early math, science, writing, communication, social-emotional development, and executive functioning.
• Help children develop independence with routines, belongings, self-help skills, and classroom responsibilities.
• Encourage questioning, problem-solving, collaboration, and independent thinking.
• Support children's listening, attention, persistence, and participation in group settings.
• Observe and document children's developmental and academic progress.
• Identify children's strengths and areas where additional support or challenge may be helpful.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families about children's growth and readiness.
• Create small-group and individualized learning opportunities when appropriate.
• Maintain an organized, welcoming, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Actively supervise children and ensure their safety throughout the day.
• Lead and guide supporting teachers in maintaining consistent classroom expectations and routines.
• Collaborate with school leadership and other educators to support each child's transition to Kindergarten.
• Participate in school events, professional development, and team initiatives.
• Meet licensing, health, and safety requirements.

Benefits

• Professional development assistance and training opportunities.
• Referral program.
• Retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement and support with continuing education and credential advancement.
• 401(k) and 401(k) matching.
• Dental insurance.
• Employee discounts, including childcare benefits or discounts.
• Health insurance and other eligible benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Signing bonus.
• Vision insurance.
• Opportunities for increased responsibility and career growth.
• Curriculum and classroom resources.
• Regular appreciation and recognition.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed