Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher - Early Childhood Education The Little Yellow Wagon 2160 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703 $22 per hour | Full-Time | Monday-Friday Position Overview The Little Yellow Wagon is seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Teacher to join our early childhood education team. The Lead Teacher plays a key role in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. In this role, you will lead a classroom, support children's social, emotional, and cognitive development, and help maintain a positive classroom culture where children can learn, explore, and grow. This position is ideal for an educator who is organized, nurturing, and committed to high-quality early childhood education. Pay $22 per hour Schedule Full-time position with weekday hours: Monday - Friday ~40 hours per week Choose one of the following schedules: 5 days × 8-hour shifts 4 days × 10-hour shifts Benefits 80 hours Paid Time Off (PTO) annually 6 paid holidays Child care enrollment availability for employees Tuition reimbursement opportunities for continued learning in early childhood education Key Responsibilities Lead a classroom of young children while supporting their social, emotional, and cognitive development Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities Foster a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment Ensure compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing regulations and safety standards Supervise and support assistant teachers and classroom staff Maintain clear and positive communication with parents and families Observe and document children's developmental progress Collaborate with staff to maintain a high-quality early childhood program Participate in team meetings, trainings, and center initiatives Qualifications Applicants must meet Illinois

DCFS 407

qualifications. Minimum Requirements At least 19 years of age High school diploma or GED College coursework in child care, early childhood education, or child development Preferred Qualifications 2+ years of experience as a Lead Teacher in a licensed child care center Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices Experience mentoring assistant teachers Strong classroom management and communication skills Knowledge of Illinois child care licensing regulations Additional Requirements Ability to pass DCFS background checks Ability to lift up to 40 lbs Ability to move actively between classrooms and outdoor play areas Ability to maintain a positive and professional classroom environment About The Little Yellow Wagon The Little Yellow Wagon provides high-quality early childhood education for children in a nurturing and engaging environment. Our program focuses on developmentally appropriate learning, creativity, safety, and school readiness while building strong partnerships with families. Our team is dedicated to supporting both children's development and the professional growth of our staff. Apply Today If you are a compassionate educator who is passionate about early childhood development and ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, we encourage you to apply.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

Childcare Flexible schedule Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Application Question(s): Are you willing to undergo a background check, in accordance with local laws/regulations? Have you completed the necessary college-level courses in childcare and/or child development required to be teacher-qualified per Section 407.140 Qualifications for Early Childhood Teachers and School-age Workers? For more information, the Section 407.140 Qualifications can be reviewed at the following link: https://acrobat.adobe.

com/id/urn:

aaid:sc:va6c2:e94cb0ee-3b68-48ce-bcbe-f2d4230b869e Available Start Date (Pending Background Check)? Please provide the most accurate phone number & email address for interview and follow-up communication.

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

Childcare:

1 year (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Springfield, IL 62703 (Required)

Work Location:

In person