Lead Toddler and Early Preschool Teacher

The Goddard School of Chicago (South Loop), IL•Chicago, IL

16d•$18 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Goddard School of South Loop is looking for experienced and passionate Lead Teachers for our Toddler and Early Preschool classrooms. We believe children thrive when they are surrounded by teachers who are nurturing, dependable, engaged and genuinely excited to help them grow. We also believe great teachers deserve a workplace that invests in them. Our goal is to build a team of educators who don't simply supervise children—we want teachers who build relationships, create meaningful learning experiences, take ownership of their classrooms, support their teammates, and continue growing professionally. As a Lead Teacher, you will take an active leadership role in your classroom and help create a safe, loving and engaging environment for children. We know that taking care of children begins with taking care of the people who teach them. At The Goddard School of South Loop, we strive to create an environment where teachers feel supported, appreciated and able to grow. Our leadership team believes in coaching, not simply correcting. We understand that early childhood education can be demanding. When something isn't working, our goal is to identify the challenge, provide resources and support, and help our teachers become successful. At the same time, because families entrust us with their children every day, we hold ourselves to high standards for safety, professionalism, reliability and accountability. If you are looking for a school where you can simply "watch kids," this probably isn't the right position. But if you want to be part of a school where your work matters, where you can develop as an educator, and where strong teachers are genuinely valued, we would love to meet you. The relationships our teachers build with children can last for years. Many of our families begin with us during infancy and remain through Pre-K, giving our educators the opportunity to watch children grow from babies into confident kindergarteners. We take that responsibility—and that privilege—seriously. If you're an educator who wants to make an impact, continue growing, and be part of a supportive school community, we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements

Experience working with toddlers and/or preschool-age children
Ability to meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher requirements for the assigned classroom
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to meet the physical requirements of an early childhood classroom
Commitment to maintaining all licensing, health and safety requirements
Candidate must be CO-VID vaccinated.

Nice To Haves

Early Childhood Education coursework, degree, CDA or equivalent qualifications preferred
Experienced Assistant Teachers who meet Lead Teacher qualifications and are ready to take the next step in their career are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families
Provide attentive, active supervision throughout the day
Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Create a classroom environment where children can explore, learn and develop independence
Observe children's development and individual needs
Maintain regular classroom documentation and family communication
Establish consistent classroom routines and positive guidance practices
Keep your classroom organized, welcoming and prepared for learning
Work collaboratively with supporting teachers and provide classroom leadership and direction
Participate in school events, professional development and team initiatives
Partner with our leadership team when challenges arise rather than feeling like you have to solve everything alone