1st Assistant Teacher

LFCDS, located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational independent day school serving 413 students from age two through eighth grade. The School has a long tradition of producing thoughtful, confident, and successful students. Children are known, loved, and challenged at LFCDS, and a state-of-the-art facility provides a remarkable setting for inspired teaching, academic rigor, and attention to individual needs.

Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) is seeking a dedicated 1st STEP Assistant Teacher to guide our youngest learners, ages 2–3, in a nurturing, developmentally responsive environment.

The 1st STEP program provides a thoughtful bridge between early physical and emotional development and the emerging cognitive phase of learning for two- and young three-year-old children. Through music, movement, exploration, and purposeful play, children develop social, language, and pre-academic skills in a structured yet joyful setting.

This is a 3-day program position with additional teaching responsibilities to support a full-time schedule from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

• Transition from parallel to interactive play
• Language development as a tool for communication and self-expression
• Respect for self, others, and the environment
• Development of gross and fine motor skills
• Strong partnerships between school and home

• Support the Lead Teacher in a classroom serving children ages 2–3, helping to maintain a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment
• Assist in promoting children’s growth across social/emotional, cognitive, physical, and language domains
• Help implement curriculum based in play‑based, experiential learning
• Encourage the development of self‑confidence, independence, and respectful interactions through daily support and guidance
• Model appropriate behavior and help guide children using clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and gentle redirection
• Collaborate with the teaching team to ensure a cohesive and supportive classroom environment
• Communicate with families through daily updates and assist in preparing for formal conferences

• DCFS credentialing required for teaching in a 2–3-year-old program (or willingness to obtain)
• Completion of Gateway to Opportunity trainings (or willingness to obtain)
• Demonstrated experience working with toddlers (ages 2–3) preferred
• Foundational understanding of early childhood development
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to support effective collaboration with lead teachers and colleagues
• Warm, patient, and responsive approach to working with young children
• Genuine enthusiasm and affinity for supporting the growth and development of young learners
• Ability to assist with implementing creative, engaging classroom activities and support positive behavior management strategies
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in supporting classroom routines and responsibilities
• Openness to feedback and a commitment to ongoing professional growth and learning
• Good judgment, reliability, and developing emotional maturity
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and actively participate in the broader school community
• Progress toward or completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferred or required, depending on context)
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential information

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour commensurate with experience with a comprehensive benefits package including tuition remission for dependents of the employee.

Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning and builds a foundation of strong character, preparing students to navigate their path with purpose.

• Childhood is championed:
  We center all we do on what is best for our students, protecting and building upon the magic of these precious years.
• Community is our core:
  Honest and respectful…