Chicago, Illinois
Posted: 29-May-25
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Type: Full Time
Salary: $52,000 starting
Categories:
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Description
The Two-Year-Old Lead Teacher position offers a unique opportunity for an innovative and nurturing educator to help launch a new full-day program for two-year-olds within a Reggio Emilia–inspired school community. This role is ideal for an early childhood professional who is deeply committed to progressive education and emergent curriculum, and who can bring that vision to life within the structure of DCFS regulatory requirements.
At Bennett Day School, teaching is viewed as a dynamic and evolving practice. Our educators are researchers, collaborators, and reflective practitioners who support each child's natural curiosity and sense of wonder. The Two-Year-Old Lead Teacher will be instrumental in shaping an environment that honors the rights of young children, supports developmentally appropriate exploration, and integrates health, safety, and licensing standards to ensure a nurturing and well-regulated learning space.
Job Qualifications:
- Collaborative mindset; strong ability to work with a team and openness to new ideas
- Deep understanding of toddler development, including sensory integration, attachment, and transitions
- Experience designing emergent, inquiry-based, or project-based curriculum
- Familiarity with DCFS guidelines and a commitment to upholding best practices in health and safety
- Strong engagement in current pedagogical research and early childhood trends
- Experience/professional development in inclusive or special education practices
- 3+ years experience as a lead or co-teacher in an early childhood setting; toddler classroom experience preferred
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
- DCFS teacher qualifications required or attainable
Requirements
Job Requirements:
- Physical strength to independently lift 15–20 lbs.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to oversee and ensure the safety of toddlers at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
Job Specifications:
- Age-level curriculum development
- Individual student documentation and evaluation
- Mentoring, collaboration and communication with Assistant Teacher
- Family communication:, four conferences, family open house, weekly newsletters/blogging, home visits
- Professional Development: Wednesday afternoon, ongoing professional development in and out of school, beginning and end of year PD
- Collaboration, communication, and integration with Specialist teachers (Art, Music, TESLab, Spanish, PE)
- Participation in self-evaluation and reflection process; individual and team meetings with the Division Director
- Participation in family/community evening/weekend events: Curriculum Night, Family Association Meeting and 2 Admissions/Marketing outreach events required
- Supervision Responsibilities: Recess, lunch, snack as assigned
- Participation in morning arrival or dismissal duties as assigned
- Classroom materials preparation, maintenance, ordering
- Responsibilities are not all-inclusive and will include other duties as assigned