Lead Preschool Teacher

Jewish Council for Youth Services • Highland Park, IL

95d • $18 - $23

About The Position

Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS) is seeking a caring and dedicated Lead Preschool Teacher for its Highland Park Center. The role involves working with colleagues to create a warm, supportive environment where curiosity and learning flourish. The teacher plans and leads developmentally appropriate activities that support children’s growth and align with JCYS’s values, while building positive relationships with children and families. The position includes actively supervising children in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, buses, and on offsite trips; communicating daily updates to parents; coordinating with the Center Director about parent messages, incidents, and other important updates; collaborating with staff; protecting confidential information; attending staff meetings; and supporting JCYS policies and the center’s positive atmosphere.

Candidates should bring warmth, energy, and professionalism, genuinely enjoy working with children, and be comfortable with the physical activity involved in classroom and playground interactions. JCYS describes itself as a welcoming and inclusive community serving children and families of all religions, races, and ethnicities. It is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience working with young children.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A collaborative spirit and the ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, and fellow teachers.
• Genuinely enjoy working with children and supporting their growth.
• Be comfortable with physical activity, including frequently sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and crouching; occasionally lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds; and using close and distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Nice To Haves

• An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field is preferred.
• At least 6 credit hours in child development.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead fun, developmentally appropriate activities that nurture children’s growth and align with JCYS’s values.
• Maintain a warm, caring, and respectful attitude toward every child and build positive relationships.
• Actively supervise children in the classroom, hallways, playground, buses, and during offsite trips.
• Send daily updates to parents about their child’s day.
• Communicate with the Center Director about parent messages, classroom incidents, and important updates.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers and staff to build a connected learning community.
• Protect confidential information and handle it with care.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Support JCYS policies and contribute to the center’s positive atmosphere.

What This Job Offers

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