Lead Teacher WIU Infant and Preschool Center

Position: Lead Teacher of the WIU Infant and Preschool Center
About Western Illinois University:

Recognized as a "Best Midwestern College" by the Princeton Review. Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, serves nearly 5,000 students at its traditional, residential campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan, non-residential branch campus in Moline, IL.

Job Description:

APPOINTMENT:
August 2026

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

Lead Teachers will collaborate with families and staff. The Infant and Preschool Early Childhood Lead Teacher must meet the requirements set by Head Start, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (DEC), DEC Recommended Practices, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. They will participate in professional development opportunities aimed at supporting professionals, students, and families in the Macomb area, with the goal of improving educational opportunities for children ages birth to five.

This position will also include providing classroom instruction and assessment for children from birth to five as appropriate within the WIU Infant and Preschool Center in Macomb. Additionally, the Lead Teacher will assist with community outreach as needed, under the direction of the WIU Infant and Preschool Center Director. Lead Teachers will model effective teaching strategies, lesson planning, classroom management, student assessment, and provide technical support to college students.

RANK & SALARY: 9.5 month appointment; $29,950 - $33,280 per year, commensurate with experience.

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include:
Health Insurance plans, (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time-off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.

For a full list of benefits as a WIU employee, please visit our Benefits Homepage: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at HR-Benefits or by calling .

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or sixty semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age six; or one year (1560 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center and 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age six;

* One year (1560 clock hours) of working child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center;

* Register on the Gateways to Opportunity, Illinois Professional Development System and keep current (Ex Cele Rate , DCFS);

* Hold a ECE Credential Level 3 or above (Ex Cele Rate )(preschool room);

* Hold a Infant/Toddler Credential Level 3 or above (Ex Cele Rate ) (Infant room);

* First Aid and CPR certification shall be kept current and renewed every two years (Ex Cele Rate , DCFS);

* An on-line Food Handler training needs to be completed and a certificate on file (Health Department);

* A medical exam should be obtained every two years, with results kept in personnel file (DCFS);

* A TB skin test (Mantoux Method) should be completed once upon hire (DCFS);

* Proof of current TDAP and proof of two MMR's (DCFS);

* Comply with Illinois DCFS licensing requirements and NAEYC/NAC accreditation standards;

* Strong understanding of child development and early childhood education;

* Oral and written Bilingual Proficiency in English and Spanish (preferred);

* Written skills to document project activities and assessments;

* Verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interact and…