Location
Chicago, Illinois
The Lead Teacher is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences and ensuring a supportive classroom climate. They lead the classroom team, implement educational activities, and communicate with families about children's progress.
A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is required, along with specific credentials depending on the position level. Bilingual Spanish is preferred, and candidates must be computer literate.
Casa Central’s Early Learning Academy provides high quality, comprehensive early childhood education services for young children, ages birth to five, and their families. The Lead Teacher provides effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation and related research for children ages 3-5 years old. The Lead Teacher is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervision of children assigned in the classroom, and providing a supportive and positive classroom climate, while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met as mandated by Head Start, COA, federal, state and local standards. The Lead Teacher works in collaboration with parents/families and other professionals to ensure that children are ready for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Serve as a leader for the classroom team to provide comprehensive early childhood education services to children in a safe, nurturing environment through planning and implementing structured educational activities based on program curriculum. Additionally, participate in all required trainings and meetings while promoting teamwork. Lastly, prepare reports on classroom activities while collecting data of children outcomes.
Reports and Metrics
Responsible for reporting on classroom activities and children's outcomes to families/parents through teacher conferences or home visits while utilizing those data to create new lessons.
Sensitivity to cultural diversity is required. Will be subject to pre-employment screening that includes a medical, lift and drug and alcohol screening, as well as aptitude and skills’ testing, where applicable.
B.A. in Early Childhood Education or related field with a Gateways Early Childhood Education Level 5 Credential required.
B.A. in Early Childhood Education or related field with a Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Early Childhood Endorsement.
Bilingual Spanish preferred.
Must be computer literate and be able to use microsoft applications; experienced with web- Based and other automated management information systems.
Basic mathematical skills are required.
Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team as a cooperative and supportive team member. Ability to establish relationships with families from diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards preferred.
Exercises discretion and sound judgment in executing tasks.
Ability to use reflective practices and leadership to guide and support staff in the classroom.
Not eligible for remote work. A personal mobile phone is not required and therefore not eligible for mobile phone reimbursement.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. This job description's content is not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Market context
In Illinois, Lead Teacher openings are often tied to licensed child care centers and early learning programs that need staff who can meet state employment criteria and support classroom continuity. This role can be competitive because employers commonly look for an associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, plus prior experience in a licensed child care setting. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm the original posting and prepare a resume that highlights licensed child care experience and relevant coursework.
Salary benchmark
$52,485 avg / yr
Typical range: $35,686–$52,000 based on 300 active listings in Illinois
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