Preschool Lead Teacher

Salary Details

This position may be filled as either a half-time (0.50 FTE) or full-time (1.0 FTE) role. The salary range for a 1.0 FTE position is $53,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience. The salary range for a 0.50 FTE position is $26,500-$42,500, commensurate with experience. Employees in the full-time (1.0 FTE) position are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance;

a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions; paid time off; and generous tuition remission benefits for eligible dependents. Employees in the half-time (0.50 FTE) position are eligible for dental, vision, and long-term disability (LTD) insurance; paid time off; and other benefits in accordance with School policy. Tuition remission benefits may be available in accordance with School policy and eligibility requirements.

Benefits are subject to the terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements of School policies and benefit plans.

Posted: 06-Aug-26

Location: Lake Forest, Illinois

Type: Full Time

Salary: $53,000-$85,000

Categories Early Childhood

Salary Details This position may be filled as either a half-time (0.50 FTE) or full-time (1.0 FTE) role. The salary range for a 1.0 FTE position is $53,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience. The salary range for a 0.50 FTE position is $26,500-$42,500, commensurate with experience. Employees in the full-time (1.0 FTE) position are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance;

a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions; paid time off; and generous tuition remission benefits for eligible dependents. Employees in the half-time (0.50 FTE) position are eligible for dental, vision, and long-term disability (LTD) insurance; paid time off; and other benefits in accordance with School policy. Tuition remission benefits may be available in accordance with School policy and eligibility requirements.

Benefits are subject to the terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements of School policies and benefit plans.

Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Preschool Lead Teacher to guide our youngest learners, ages 3–4, in a nurturing, developmentally responsive environment.

The Preschool program provides a nurturing and engaging environment for children ages 3-4, supporting their growing independence, curiosity, and confidence as learners. Through purposeful play, hands-on exploration, collaborative experiences, and meaningful routines, children strengthen their social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development. In a joyful and thoughtfully structured classroom, children build foundational skills in problem-solving, self-expression, creativity, and early academic learning while developing a lifelong love of discovery.

This position is for a 5-day, half-day program with the possibility of 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 that support each child's growth, learning, and well-being

• Lead a classroom serving children ages 3-4, fostering a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Support children's growth across social-emotional, cognitive, language, physical, and creative domains of development.
• Design and implement curriculum grounded in play-based, inquiry-driven, and experiential learning.
• Promote the development of self-confidence, independence, problem-solving skills, and respectful interactions with peers and adults.
• Model appropriate behavior and guide children using clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and responsive teaching practices.
• Observe, assess, and document children's progress to inform instruction and support individual learning needs.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues to support a cohesive,…