Lead Teacher

Arrowleaf•Vienna, IL

24d•$21 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

Arrowleaf is hiring a full-time Lead Teacher for Little Leaves Learning Center (LLLC) in Vienna, Illinois. LLLC provides early childhood education and child care, including infant and toddler care, preschool, and school-age programming in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Its approach incorporates trauma-informed practices and Montessori-inspired learning while supporting children’s development and connections with families and community resources. The Lead Teacher plans and leads classroom activities, maintains children’s safety and well-being, communicates with families, and supervises classroom support staff. The role is a 40-hour-per-week, Monday-through-Friday bargaining-unit, non-exempt position. Available classroom schedules range from 6:15 a.m.–2:45 p.m. to 9:45 a.m.–6:15 p.m., depending on assignment. The position reports to the Program Director. The hourly salary range is $20.50–$20.75, with additional opportunities for compensation noted by the employer. Arrowleaf is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Be at least 19 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Meet one of the following qualification pathways: 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of college credit, including 6 semester hours in childcare or child development for birth to age 6; 1,560 clock hours (one year) of experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center plus 30 semester hours of college credit, including 6 semester hours in childcare or child development; or a department-approved credential such as CDA, CCP, Gateways ECE Credential Level 3 or higher, or Gateways Infant Toddler Credential Level 3 or higher.
A MACTE-accredited, AMS, or AMI Montessori teacher certification for birth to age 12 may substitute for the required child development coursework.
Demonstrate knowledge of child development, age-appropriate learning activities, childcare practices, and health, safety, and sanitation procedures.
Establish positive, nurturing relationships with children and communicate effectively with children, families, teachers, and staff.
Work cooperatively as part of a classroom team; demonstrate patience, flexibility, adaptability, observation skills, and interpersonal skills.
Support classroom routines, learning activities, and transitions; use positive behavior guidance and respond appropriately to children’s needs.
Show sensitivity to cultural, developmental, and individual differences among children and maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and supportive classroom environment.
Clear Illinois State Police, FBI fingerprint, DCFS (CANTS/SACWIS), and Illinois Sex Offender Registry checks before working with children.
Report any later charge, arrest, or conviction to the Director immediately.
Complete a physical exam no more than six months before hire, including a Mantoux TB test, and repeat the exam every two years.
Provide three verified written character references, proof of education (transcripts or credentials), and verification of any experience used to qualify.
Sign the mandated reporter acknowledgment, Arrowleaf Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights Agreement, and LLLC statement of confidentiality.
Join the Gateways to Opportunity Registry within 30 days of hire.
Be at least 21 years old to drive agency vehicles and transport children.

Responsibilities

Maintain required staff-child ratios and group sizes at all times, including outdoors, on field trips, during shift changes, and during transitions; apply the ratio for the youngest child present.
Maintain accurate attendance and confirm arrivals and departures with families so headcounts remain current.
Lead monthly fire, tornado, and Arrowleaf safety drills; know the classroom shelter location and account for every child by name.
Promptly report facility hazards and unsafe equipment to the Director.
Plan and post a daily program using Brightwheel’s Experience Curriculum, incorporating Montessori-inspired activities, routines, active and quiet play, and free choice.
Set up classroom learning centers for art, dramatic play, music, sensory activities, language arts, science, math/manipulatives, and large motor activities.
Complete ASQ developmental screenings with parent consent at enrollment, classroom transitions, and the start of each school year.
Document children’s learning in Brightwheel using photos, narratives, and anecdotal records, and use documentation to plan curriculum and family conferences.
Develop and carry out individual plans with families and resource staff when needed.
Record feedings and diapering and provide parents with daily written reports.
Use positive guidance consistent with the Pyramid Model, including redirection, natural and logical consequences, anticipating problems, and encouraging cooperation.
Follow handwashing, diapering, toileting, and sanitizing procedures; clean and disinfect infant and toddler toys daily.
Apply the illness exclusion policy, including isolating and supervising an ill child, calling parents for pickup within 30 minutes, and completing the Illness Verification form.
Administer prescription medication only with written provider authorization, in its original labeled container, and after training from the parent; medication may be administered by teachers and the Director only.
Send daily written communication through Brightwheel and contribute to the monthly newsletter.
Release children only to parents, guardians, or people on the authorized pickup list; check photo identification for any new person.
Keep child records, screening results, and family information confidential during and after employment.
Personally and immediately report suspected abuse or neglect to the DCFS Hotline, then notify the Director.
Supervise, train, and assign classroom duties to Assistant Teachers, Student/Youth Aides, and volunteers.
Through June 30, 2029, a Lead Teacher with 2,880 documented hours as a teacher at LLLC may be designated to open or close the center when the Director is absent.
Participate in center-wide decisions, staff meetings, parent conferences, and family events.

Benefits

Health, vision, and dental insurance options available after the first day of the month following 60 calendar days of employment.
Up to $50,000 life insurance policy.
401(k) with company match for qualifying staff.
Voluntary benefits including critical illness, short-term disability, accident/incident, and hospital indemnity coverage.
Mileage reimbursement.
Up to 376 hours of paid time off in the first year, including 13 paid holidays, up to 40 hours of personal time, 12 sick days, 40 hours of bereavement leave, 12 vacation days after a six-month probation period, and 8 hours of paid volunteer time per year.
Paid advanced trainings and certification opportunities.
Leadership and advancement opportunities.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
Additional opportunities for compensation above the starting salary.