Lead Teacher WIU Infant and Preschool Center

Lead Teacher of the WIU Infant and Preschool Center About the Role

The Lead Teacher will create a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment and deliver high-quality, play-based instruction to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children at the WIU Infant and Preschool Center in Macomb. The position involves leading daily activities, fostering language development, and helping children develop essential physical, cognitive, social‑emotional, and self‑care skills.

Lead Teachers collaborate with families and staff, meet the requirements of Head Start, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (DEC), DEC Recommended Practices, and NAEYC/NAC accreditation standards, and participate in professional development opportunities to support students and families in the Macomb area.

• Deliver classroom instruction and assessment for children from birth to five.
• Plan and implement lesson plans, classroom management, and student assessment.
• Provide technical support to college students.
• Assist with community outreach as directed by the Center Director.

9‑month appointment. Salary range: $29,950 – $33,280 per year, commensurate with experience.

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of accredited college credits, including 6 semester or 9 quarter hours in child‑care or child‑development courses from birth to age six.
• One year (1,560 clock hours) of child‑development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day‑care center.
• Current Illinois DCFS and Gateways to Opportunity credentials (Ex Cele Rate , DCFS); maintain current status.
• Credential Level 3 or above in ECE (preschool room) or Infant/Toddler (infant room).
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, renewed every two years.
• Completed Food Handler training with certificate on file.
• Medical exam every two years and TB skin test required once upon hire.
• Proof of TDAP and two MMR shots.
• Comply with Illinois DCFS licensing requirements and NAEYC/NAC accreditation standards.
• Strong understanding of child development and early childhood education.
• Preferred:
  Oral and written bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Interested candidates may refer to the WIU Benefits Homepage for information on health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.