A Preschool or Childcare Teacher works with young children, usually ages 3 - 5, to help them learn the social, motor and language skills needed to be ready for kindergarten and elementary school. Organizes activities and uses play or games to help children learn; develops schedules and routines for children that include exercise and rest. Works in a school or in a childcare center or program.
Lead Early Childhood Teacher Bird's Nest Hinckley Early Learning & Care Center Hinckley, Illinois Pay:
$21-$23 per hour; negotiable for a highly qualified candidate
Job Type:
Full-time or part-time
Hours:
10-40 hours per week
Required Availability:
Monday-Friday, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Center Hours:
7:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m. No weekends A Place to Learn, Love, and Grow Bird's Nest is seeking an experienced, nurturing Lead Early Childhood Teacher to join our close-knit school family. We are a small, family-owned center serving children ages 2-5. Our owners and directors teach in the classroom, giving them a hands-on perspective that is often missing from many early childhood programs. Our team is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, families, and our community. Our Reggio-inspired, emergent curriculum follows children's interests, questions, strengths, and developmental needs. We emphasize relationships, purposeful play, process art, outdoor learning, exploration, and gross motor development. Applicants must meet Illinois DCFS requirements to be both Lead Teacher and Director-qualified . Position Details We are very flexible with the number of hours. As long as you can consistently work our closing shift from 3:15-5:15 p.m., Monday through Friday , you may choose a schedule ranging from 10-40 hours per week . Additional hours can be scheduled within our center hours based on your preference.
Our low child-to-teacher ratios are:
Age 2: 1 teacher to 6 children Ages 3-5: 1 teacher to 8 children What We Offer A small, relationship-centered school community Supportive owners and directors who teach alongside staff Highly flexible full-time or part-time scheduling Low child-to-teacher ratios A collaborative, inclusive team Meaningful relationships with children and families A Monday-Friday schedule with no weekends Qualifications Applicants must meet one of the following education requirements: An associate degree or higher in child development or early childhood education; or At least 64 semester hours of college credit, including 21 hours in early childhood education, child development, or early childhood special education, plus approved administration or leadership education The ideal candidate also: Has experience teaching young children Understands child development and developmentally appropriate practice Values play, creativity, relationships, outdoor learning, and child-led exploration Builds warm, respectful relationships with children, families, and coworkers Is dependable, organized, flexible, and collaborative Communicates professionally and kindly Can create a safe, inclusive, and joyful classroom Responsibilities Lead and supervise the classroom Build trusting relationships with children and families Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum based on children's interests and needs and aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards Provide opportunities for purposeful play, process art, outdoor learning, and gross motor development Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging environment Communicate professionally with families and coworkers Train, teach, and inspire other staff members Follow DCFS licensing requirements and Bird's Nest policies Complete daily closing responsibilities, including tidying and sanitizing classroom spaces for the next day Support children with a variety of strengths, abilities, and needs We are looking for someone who will bring their experience, creativity, and heart to a team committed to helping children learn, grow, and thrive. Bird's Nest Hinckley Early Learning & Care Center A Place to
