Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate learning experiences using the Kïdo curriculum while managing a safe and nurturing classroom. Build strong relationships with families through regular communication and collaborate with staff to support child development.
Be Part of the Founding Team in Chicago!
We just opened our River North early childhood center and are preparing to launch Kïdo West Loop! We are seeking exceptional, passionate Lead Teachers / Early Childhood Educators who want to help shape our classroom culture, curriculum implementation, and community from day one. If you are a strong educator who thrives in a collaborative childcare environment and is excited to build something special, we want to meet you. Current openings are specifically for our Infant, Toddler, and Twos classrooms!
High School Diploma or GED.
Lead Teacher Qualified per Illinois DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) regulations.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, Elementary Education, or a related field; or a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
5–10 years of teaching experience in a licensed childcare program, or 2–3 years of experience in a Montessori school setting.
Language
Skills: Bilingual (fluent in Spanish and English) is a plus (reading, writing, and speaking).
We are a people-first childcare organization—our early childhood educators are at the heart of everything we do.
What we offer our teaching team: Competitive Pay: Based on education, ECE credentials, and experience.
Career Growth: Direct pathways for advancement into curriculum specialty or assistant director roles.
Childcare Benefit: Free tuition for your children (18 months–5 years).
Classroom Support: Smaller teacher-to-child ratios than Illinois state requirements to support meaningful interactions and stress-free planning time.
Fully stocked teacher lounge with healthy snacks and a classroom supply cabinet with bi-weekly ordering options.
Professional
Development: Tuition reimbursement, comprehensive paid training, and two dedicated school-wide professional development days each year.
Referral
Perks: $500 referral bonus when you refer a new team member.
Your birthday off! Up to 3 weeks of paid time off (PTO) in your first year. Paid holidays. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with generous employer contributions. Free short-term disability and life insurance. Annual tenure bonuses. If you’re a passionate preschool teacher ready to help build and lead a high-quality program from the very beginning, apply today to join our Chicago founding team!
Requires a High School Diploma or GED and must be Lead Teacher Qualified per Illinois DCFS regulations. Preferred candidates hold a Bachelor's degree in ECE or a CDA credential with significant experience in licensed childcare or Montessori settings.
Market context
Illinois classroom teacher roles are typically in steady demand, especially in districts seeking candidates who can support diverse student needs and communicate clearly with families and staff. This type of role is competitive because employers often look for classroom experience plus related backgrounds such as sociology, psychology, counseling, or education, and bilingual skills in English, Spanish, or Portuguese can strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your resume to highlight public speaking experience and weekend availability if you have it.
