Lead Teacher

Children of America • Oswego, IL

12d • $17 - $20

About The Position

Children of America (COA), a nationally accredited preschool with more than 65 locations across 18 states, is hiring a Lead Teacher. The role works alongside a team of educators in a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and passion for early childhood education. COA serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years old through Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp programs. The Lead Teacher interacts daily with children, parents, management, and teaching staff to foster a collaborative, positive learning environment. The position leads classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum and supports children's learning and development. Job offers are contingent on successfully completing a background check and submitting required state documents.

Requirements

• High school diploma with credits in early childhood education (ECE).
• At least 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare setting.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Meet all state licensing requirements.
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Flexibility and adaptability in challenging situations.
• Commitment to professional growth.
• Successful completion of a background check and submission of required state documents are conditions of any job offer.

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily lesson plans.
• Help create a safe, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Communicate professionally with parents, children, and team members.
• Use technology to document and deliver child progress reports.
• Show empathy toward children's emotions and parents' needs.
• Set age-appropriate expectations for children.
• Bring creativity, passion, and engagement to the work.
• Lead classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum.

Benefits

• Internal career advancement opportunities
• 50% employee childcare discount
• Educational assistance and T.E.A.C.H. scholarship partnerships
• Employee referral bonuses and recognition programs
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Accident insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Paid holidays
• Potential eligibility for performance-based incentives or other benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED