YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Location
Downers Grove, Illinois
Salary
$43,888 / YEAR
The Lead Teacher is responsible for providing a safe and supportive classroom environment for preschool children ages 2-5, utilizing Creative Curriculum and Illinois Early Learning Standards to write and implement lesson plans supporting physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. Key duties include classroom management, supervision, assessment, and ensuring compliance with DCFS and YMCA policies.
Candidates must meet DCFS licensing and program accreditation requirements, preferring an ECE Credential Level 1 or higher. Alternatively, 64 semester hours with 21 hours in early childhood education plus specific administrative training or credentialing is required, along with one year of preschool teaching experience strongly preferred.
Indian Boundary YMCA is now hiring a full-time Preschool Teacher!
As a Lead Teacher you are responsible for providing a safe and supportive classroom environment for preschool children ages 2-5 while preparing for kindergarten readiness. Using Creative Curriculum and Illinois Early Learning Standards, the Lead Teacher will write and implement a lesson plan that will support the growth and development in children's physical, emotional, cognitive, and social skills while ensuring developmentally appropriate practices. The Lead Teacher is also responsible for classroom management and supervision of children, learning, assessment and evaluations, as well as following policies set forth by DCFS and YMCA standards and policies, as applicable.
This position pays $43,888 per year with full-time benefits and opportunities to grow within the organization!
Market context
In Illinois, preschool lead teacher openings often draw steady interest because centers need educators who can support early learning, classroom routines, and family communication. This role is competitive for candidates with preschool or daycare experience and familiarity with NAEYC standards. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then tailor your application to show classroom experience and early childhood passion.
Salary benchmark
$52,511 avg / yr
Typical range: $35,686–$52,000 based on 300 active listings in Illinois
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