Lead Pre Kindergarten Teacher
About The Position
The Goddard School of South Loop is hiring a full-time Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher to guide four- and five-year-old children through the transition to Kindergarten. The teacher takes ownership of the classroom and creates an engaging, purposeful environment that supports academic, social, and emotional development while preserving the joy, creativity, play, and exploration of early childhood. Kindergarten readiness includes foundational literacy, writing, and mathematical thinking as well as confidence, independence, communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, curiosity, and classroom habits. The teacher observes each child's development and recognizes that children progress at different rates. The role includes building trusting relationships with children and families, planning developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and communicating children's progress and readiness to families. The Lead Teacher also provides classroom direction to supporting teachers, maintains children's safety and licensing requirements, and collaborates with school leadership and educators to support each child's transition to Kindergarten. The school describes its leadership approach as supportive, coaching-oriented, and accountable, with professional development, training, classroom resources, and opportunities for growth. The position is based at The Goddard School of South Loop in Chicago, Illinois. Candidates should be COVID vaccinated. Compensation is described as competitive and based on education and experience; no salary range is provided.
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.
- Candidate should be COVID vaccinated.
Nice To Haves
- Early Childhood Education coursework, a degree, CDA, or equivalent qualifications are preferred.
- Experience teaching Preschool or Pre-K-aged children is listed as ideal; experienced preschool teachers who meet Lead Teacher qualifications and are ready to move into a Pre-K leadership role are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families.
- Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate Pre-K learning experiences.
- Support Kindergarten readiness across 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 children to ask questions, solve problems, collaborate, and think independently.
- Help children strengthen listening, attention, persistence, and participation in group settings.
- Observe and document children's developmental and academic progress, identifying strengths and areas where support may be helpful.
- Communicate regularly and professionally with families about children's growth and readiness.
- Create meaningful 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.
- Maintain licensing, health, and safety requirements.
Benefits
- Tuition reimbursement and support with continuing education and credential advancement.
- Retirement plan and 401(k) benefits, including 401(k) matching as listed in the posting.
- Referral program.
- Professional development assistance, training, and opportunities for career growth.
- Dental insurance.
- Employee discounts and childcare benefits or discounts.
- Health insurance and other eligible benefits.
- Paid time off.
- Paid holidays.
- Signing bonus.
- Vision insurance.
- Curriculum and classroom resources.
- Regular appreciation and recognition throughout the year.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
