Preschool Teacher

Benefits

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Benefits/Perks Competitive Compensations Career Advancement Opportunities Great Work Environment

Job Summary

The German International School Chicago (GISC) is seeking a qualified Early Childhood Educator to join one of our preschool groups. GISC is a nonprofit, bilingual private school offering a rich international learning environment. Our preschool program consists of two to three groups, each with a maximum of 16 children from age 3-5 years old and two educators per group. We are an immersion-based program with German as the primary language of instruction.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences that support children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and language development within a German immersion environment Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment, using positive guidance strategies to support children’s behavior and independence Observe, document, and assess children’s development, and communicate regularly with families about children’s progress and learning experiences Participating in team meetings and professional workshops Conducting parent-teacher conferences Contributing to school-wide events and activities Collaborating with colleagues on curriculum planning and development

Qualifications: & Requirements (Illinois – DCFS Aligned)

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field preferred Alternatively: A German state-recognized qualification (staatliche Anerkennung als Erzieher/in) or a degree in Childhood Education (Kindheitspädagogik, B.A.), Experience working with children ages 3–6 in a licensed preschool, daycare, or early childhood setting Fluency in German is required (near-native proficiency expected), as German is the primary language of instruction in the classroom; native German speakers are strongly preferred Strong German and English communication skills required for effective collaboration with families and colleagues Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), including play-based and inquiry-based learning Experience supporting early language development and emergent literacy; experience in bilingual or immersion settings is a plus Ability to plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum aligned with children’s developmental needs, including differentiated instruction Demonstrated skills in classroom management, with a focus on positive guidance and social-emotional development Experience working collaboratively in a teaching team and maintaining professional, responsive communication with families Strong organizational skills, reliability, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team High level of cultural competence and ability to work effectively in an international school environment