Preschool Lead Teacher

Company Overview

We are hiring a Preschool Lead Teacher to join our team of dedicated educators. If you’re passionate about early childhood development and have experience in childcare, daycare, or preschool education, we’d love to meet you.

Why Join Us? We’re a community of professionals who care deeply about children and their growth. Our schools foster collaboration, open communication, and a supportive work environment. We prioritize work-life balance and provide the tools and resources you need to succeed.

Under the direction of the School Director, the Lead Teacher plays a vital role in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children. This position is responsible for planning and delivering curriculum, leading classroom operations, and implementing Cadence Education programs while supporting the physical, social, emotional, and developmental needs of all children—including those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Lead Teachers are classroom leaders who model professionalism, ensure compliance with licensing and safety requirements, and partner with families and team members to support each child’s growth and success.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Comp etitive compensation

• On demand pay with UKG Wallet

• 50% childcare tuition discount

• Hourly Pay Rate $18.69 - $23.60

• 401(k) with empl oyer match

• Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:

• Paid time off that increases with seniority

• Paid holidays

• Medical, dental, vision options available

• Additional life, disability, and retirement plans

• Educational and professional development

• Tuition reimbursement

• Company-paid life insurance

• Pet insurance

• Paid CDA

Job Description

What You’ll Do

• Create awarm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environmentwhere every child is treated with dignity, respect, and care.

• Buildpositive, professional relationshipswith children and families, including daily greetings and ongoing communication.

• Recognize and respond todiverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including implementing IEPs and behavioral support plans as required.

• Plan, implement, and documentdevelopmentally appropriate curriculumaligned with Cadence educational philosophy and Signature Programs.

• Use Cadence-required systems and communication tools to communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership.

• Maintain asafe and well‑supervised classroom, following the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual at all times.

• Accurately document and reportaccidents, incidents, and escalated behaviorsin accordance with company policy and licensing requirements.

• Follow all Cadence Education policies, procedures, and standards outlined in the Employee Handbook.

• Participate inrequired trainings, meetings, and professional development, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to follow all safety procedures, including Name‑to‑Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle‑feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.

• Ability to manage a classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Education

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.

Experience

• Must meetstate licensing requirementsfor Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center.

• A minimum of6–12 months of early childhood or classroom experienceis preferred, depending on education and credentials.

Credentials & Licensing

• Must meet allDepartment of Health Services (DHS)licensing qualifications for Lead Teachers, which may include:

• High school diploma or GED plus required experienceor

• College coursework in early childhood educationor

• CDA, CCP, EEC or NAC credential

• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.

• CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are met.

Scheduling Requirements (Please Review Carefully)

• Flexibility is essential.Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs.

• Work schedules may vary andare not guaranteed to be eight-hour shifts.

• Daily end times may vary andcannot be guaranteed.

#CRIL

School BrandCadence Academy Preschool

ID 2026-65848

School Name 941 - Pekin

Position Type Full-Time

Min Salary USD $18.69/Hr.

Max Salary USD $23.60/Hr.