German International School Chicago Early Childhood Educator

Job Summary

The German International School Chicago (GISC) is seeking a qualified Early Childhood Educator to join one of our preschool groups. GISC is a nonprofit, bilingual private school offering a rich international learning environment. Our preschool program consists of two to three groups, each with a maximum of 16 children from age 3‑5 years old and two educators per group. We are an immersion‑based program with German as the primary language of instruction.

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play‑based learning experiences that support children’s cognitive, social‑emotional, and language development within a German immersion environment.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment, using positive guidance strategies to support children’s behavior and independence.
• Observe, document, and assess children’s development, and communicate regularly with families about children’s progress and learning experiences.
• Participate in team meetings and professional workshops.
• Conduct parent‑teacher conferences.
• Contribute to school‑wide events and activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum planning and development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field preferred. Alternatively, a German state‑recognized qualification (staatliche Anerkennung als Erzieher/in) or a degree in Childhood Education (Kindheitspädagogik, B.A.) is also acceptable.
• Experience working with children ages 3–6 in a licensed preschool, daycare, or early childhood setting.
• Fluency in German is required (near‑native proficiency expected); native German speakers are strongly preferred.
• Strong German and English communication skills required for effective collaboration with families and colleagues.
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), including play‑based and inquiry‑based learning.
• Experience supporting early language development and emergent literacy; experience in bilingual or immersion settings is a plus.
• Ability to plan and implement age‑appropriate curriculum aligned with children’s developmental needs, including differentiated instruction.
• Demonstrated skills in classroom management, with a focus on positive guidance and social‑emotional development.
• Experience working collaboratively in a teaching team and maintaining professional, responsive communication with families.
• Strong organizational skills, reliability, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• High level of cultural competence and ability to work effectively in an international school environment.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

$52,500.00 – $60,600.00 per year