Lead Teacher

Job Description Make a Difference as an Toddler Teacher! 18 Paid Holidays + Additional PTO! We are looking for an experienced, passionate, and dedicated Lead Teacher to join our team. If you thrive in a dynamic classroom environment and believe in nurturing children’s growth through play and structured learning while also working in a fun and supportive workplace, we’d love to hear from you! Why Join IPELC? Work in a supportive, fun, and professional team environment. Participate in staff outings, team-building events, and parent engagement activities (like our block parties and boat cruises!). Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and development . Competitive pay and a consistent schedule you can count on. This is a full-time, in-person position requiring consistency and punctuality. What We’re Looking For in a Lead Teacher: A nurturing and patient educator who creates a warm, welcoming, and engaging classroom. A strong communicator who can effectively collaborate with staff and parents. An adaptable and proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment. A leader who can guide assistant teachers and foster teamwork. A role model who maintains a professional, polished appearance and adheres to company policies. Qualifications & Requirements: Education : Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development or a related field. Experience : We are willing to train the right person! Certifications : Willingness to obtain First Aid, CPR, Gateways trainings, and Food Handler certifications. Compliance : Must pass a background check and provide three written references and a DCFS medical form. Fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required. Bilingual candidates who speak English & Spanish are preferred! What You’ll Do as a Lead Teacher: Implement age-appropriate curriculum that supports social, emotional, and intellectual development. Foster a safe, clean, and engaging classroom environment. Guide and support assistant teachers to ensure smooth classroom operations. Encourage children’s self-regulation and problem-solving skills in a kind and constructive manner. Maintain professional communication with parents and staff. Support children with diapering, toileting, meals, and bottle feeding when needed. Keep classroom spaces organized and sanitized , including light cleaning tasks. Commit to punctuality and occasional additional hours for parent events, staff meetings, and training. Join Our IPELC Family! At IPELC, we don’t just offer a job—we offer a community where teachers feel valued, supported, and excited to come to work every day. If you’re an experienced early childhood educator looking for a fulfilling role in a welcoming and professional environment , apply today! We can't wait to meet you! We offer a competitive compensation package and benefits for qualifying employees including: 18 Days of Paid Holidays (including one week off for Christmas) Paid Time Off (sick time and vacation) Health Insurance: Company pays half Tuition Reimbursement Discounted Childcare and Tuition 401K with Company Match Paid Educational Training and Tuition Assistance Room for advancement and promotional opportunities Job Type: Full-time Pay: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Job Type: Full-time Benefits: 401(k) Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Work Location: In person Company Description Our Guiding Philosophy is that Children Learn Through Play Through play, children learn about themselves, their environment, people, and the world around them. Play is critical to the healthy growth and development of children. Both #J-18808-Ljbffr Irving Park Early Learning Center