Infant Lead Teacher

The Glencoe Park District is a nationally accredited, Gold Medal Award–winning agency dedicated to enriching lives, building community, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Our Children’s Circle program is a licensed, full-day early childhood school offering a safe, nurturing, play-based environment that encourages hands‑on learning, meaningful interactions, and active exploration for busy families. Join a mission-driven team that invests in its staff and supports professional growth.

Under the direction of the Children’s Circle Classroom Coordinator, the Full-Time Lead Teacher provides leadership and oversight for the daily operation of the assigned classroom. This position ensures a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment while maintaining effective communication with families and compliance with District and Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and/or IL Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) requirements.

The Lead Teacher works collaboratively with the Co-Lead Teacher, who supports classroom operations and assumes Lead Teacher responsibilities in the Lead Teacher’s absence.

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, activities, and daily classroom routines.
• Lead classroom operations and collaborate with the Co-Lead Teacher and other assigned staff to maintain a safe, organized, and supportive learning environment.
• Monitor and document each child’s development, progress, behavior, and individual needs.
• Build positive relationships and maintain regular communication with parents and guardians.
• Ensure classroom practices, records, and operations comply with Park District policies and applicable DCFS and/or IL Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) licensing standards.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Classroom Coordinator and the Early Childhood Director.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• At least two years of college credit (30 college credits), including six hours in Early Childhood Education from an accredited institution.
• An Early Childhood Education degree or a degree in a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience in a DCFS-licensed program is preferred.
• General knowledge of DCFS and/or IDEC licensing standards and developmentally appropriate practice is required.
• DCFS Director Qualifications strongly preferred but not required.
• Food Handler Certificate within 30 days of hire.
• DCFS Lead and Assistant Qualifications and Certificates Top of Form.
• Complete all DCFS required paperwork within 60 days of hire.
• Must possess current CPR/AED and First Aid certification or successfully obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.

• Must successfully complete a criminal background check, pre-employment drug test, and physical examination with satisfactory results; costs covered by the Glencoe Park District.

• Must possess knowledge of IDEC licensing standards.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
• Ability to provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Ability to adapt classroom activities and programs to meet the individual needs of each child.
• Must be able to evaluate and monitor the developmental progress of individual children in the classroom.

• Ability to plan and supervise a developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates the use of developmentally appropriate discipline methods.
• Exhibits warmth, acceptance, and consistent nurturing in interactions with children.
• Contributes to a harmonious and collaborative workplace through positive relationships with coworkers.

• Serve as the primary classroom leader and final decision-maker for day-to-day classroom operations.
• Lead the planning, organization, and implementation of classroom curriculum, routines, and learning environments.
• Provide direction, guidance, and classroom coordination to Co-Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, aides, substitutes, and support…