Job Overview We are seeking a passionate and experienced Daycare Lead Teacher/Director Qualified to join our vibrant early childhood education team. In this dynamic role, you will oversee daily classroom activities, ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children, and lead staff to deliver exceptional care and education. Your leadership will inspire young learners, foster positive parent relationships, and uphold high standards of early childhood development. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's lives while managing a thriving daycare center. Responsibilities Lead and supervise classroom activities, ensuring they align with developmental milestones and curriculum standards. Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for children. Communicate regularly with parents regarding their child's progress, behavior, and developmental needs to build strong relationships. Implement child development instruction strategies that support social-emotional growth, early literacy, and motor skills development. Conduct classroom management, behavior management, special education needs, and working with children with disabilities. Promote teamwork among staff members to create a positive work environment focused on continuous improvement. The primary role of the Lead/Director Qualifed teacher will be in the classroom. However, on days where either the Director or Assistant Director will be out the Director qualified Lead teacher will step up into the opening role or closing role of the directors and will perform the following: Maintain accurate records of attendance, incident reports, health logs, and compliance documentation. Manage daily operations of the daycare center, including staff:

Child Ratios, compliance with licensing regulations, and maintaining a clean, organized facility. Greeting and communiticating with families as they come enter the facility. Skills Proven experience working with children across different age groups in a daycare or preschool setting. Strong knowledge of early childhood education principles and childhood development best practices. Certification in first aid and CPR (including pediatric first aid) is required; additional certifications in special education or behavior management are a plus. Excellent communication skills for parent engagement and team collaboration. Classroom experience with toddler care, infant care, preschool curriculum implementation, and classroom management techniques. Familiarity with daycare licensing requirements and mandated reporting laws to ensure compliance at all times. Ability to handle caregiving responsibilities with patience, empathy, and professionalism while maintaining safety standards. Experience working with children with disabilities or special needs is highly desirable. Strong organizational skills to manage daily operations efficiently while fostering a nurturing environment for children.

Requirements:

Must be at least 21 years of age. Meet Illinois DCFS qualifications for a Child Care Director. 1) A minimum of an associate degree from an accredited college or university in child development or early childhood education; or 2) The equivalent (defined as 64 semester hours or 96 quarter hours in any discipline, with a minimum of 21 semester hours or 31.5 quarter hours from an accredited college or university in courses related to child development, early childhood education or early childhood special education) and one of the following: A) Gateways to Opportunity Level I Illinois Director Credential; or B) 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours of college credit in child care administration, leadership, or management; or C) 3 points of credential-approved training in child care administration, leadership, or management. Minimum experience requirements as outlined by Illinois DCFS licensing standards. Previous experience as a Lead Teacher in a licensed child care center Join us in shaping bright futures! We are dedicated to providing a rewarding work environment where your expertise makes a difference every day in the lives of children and their families. All positions are paid roles committed to supporting early childhood development through passionate caregiving and education excellence.

Pay:

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person