1st STEP Lead Teacher

LFCDS, located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational independent day school serving 413 students from age two through eighth grade. 1st STEP Lead Teacher (Early Childhood Program, Ages 2–3) Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced 1st STEP Lead Teacher to guide our youngest learners, ages 2–3, in a nurturing, developmentally responsive environment. Position Overview The 1st STEP program provides a thoughtful bridge between early physical and emotional development and the emerging cognitive phase of learning for two- and young three-year-old children. Through music, movement, exploration, and purposeful play, children develop social, language, and pre‑academic skills in a structured yet joyful setting. This is a 3‑day program position with additional teaching responsibilities to support a full‑time schedule from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Program Philosophy Transition from parallel to interactive play Language development as a tool for communication and self‑expression Respect for self, others, and the environment Development of gross and fine motor skills Strong partnerships between school and home Key Responsibilities Lead a classroom serving children ages 2–3, fostering a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment Support children’s growth across social/emotional, cognitive, physical, and language domains Design and implement curriculum grounded in play‑based, experiential learning Promote the development of self‑confidence, independence, and respectful interactions Model appropriate behavior and guide children using clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and gentle redirection Collaborate closely with colleagues to support a cohesive early childhood program Communicate regularly with families through both formal conferences and ongoing updates Professional and Personal Qualifications DCFS credentialing required for teaching in a 2–3‑year‑old program (or willingness to obtain) Completion of Gateway to Opportunity trainings (or willingness to obtain) Demonstrated experience working with toddlers (ages 2–3) preferred Strong understanding of early childhood development Excellent communication and collaboration skills Warm, patient, and responsive teaching approach Affinity and enthusiasm for working with young children Demonstrated creativity, innovation, and the ability to manage classroom behavior Excellent communication and organizational skills Willingness to learn and improve professionally Sound judgment and emotional maturity Ability to collaborate and work with a team, willingness to engage in all aspects of the LFCDS community A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university Integrity, ethical conduct, and professional discretion with confidential matters Compensation and Benefits This fulltime position includes a full complement of benefits including health, vision, and dental plans; 403b with employer match, and generous tuition remission for dependents. Annual compensation ranges from $55,000 - $85,000 and is based on years of teaching experience and level of education. EEO Statement Lake Forest Country Day School seeks and embraces diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. LFCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Lake Forest Country Day School