Lead Teacher

Job Title: Lead Teacher – Early Childhood Education ($18–$21/hr + Benefits)
Location: Oswego, IL
Schedule: Full-Time and Part-Time Monday–Friday, shifts between 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM
Pay: $18.00 – $21.00 per hour

Lead your own classroom, with a team that has your back.

At Children of America (COA), you'll lead your own classroom, and you'll have the curriculum, resources, and support to do it well. Your lessons will use our Mind and Body Matters curriculum. You'll guide your assistant teachers and build lasting relationships with families. You'll also have room to grow into center leadership.

COA is a nationally accredited early education provider with 65+ locations across 18 states. You get the stability of a national organization and the close-knit feel of your own center.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• 50% off childcare for your own children
• Paid education: tuition assistance and T.E.A.C.H. scholarship partnerships to help you earn your next credential or degree
• Room to grow: we promote from within, from Lead Teacher to Assistant Director to Director and beyond
• Full benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Referral bonuses and employee recognition programs
• A culture where you can bring your whole self to work

About Children of America

Children of America brings together a diverse mix of people, principles, and pride. We serve children from 6 weeks to 12 years old across Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp programs. Your unique perspective and experience make our team stronger.

What You'll Do

• Lead classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum
• Carry out engaging daily lesson plans that spark curiosity and learning
• Create a safe, structured, and positive classroom environment
• Set age-appropriate expectations that help every child succeed
• Use technology to document and share children's progress with families
• Communicate warmly and professionally with parents, children, and teammates
• Show empathy for children's emotions and families' needs
• Bring creativity, passion, and energy to your classroom every day

Who You'll Work With

Every day you'll connect with children, parents, teaching staff, and center leadership as part of a collaborative team.

What You Bring

• CDA credential, or 60 college semester hours with at least 6 credits in early childhood education
• At least 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare setting
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to get certified)
• Ability to meet all state licensing requirements
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers
• Flexibility and a calm approach in challenging moments
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth
• Preferred: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field

Our Values

• Accountability: We own our actions, learn from mistakes, and uphold COA's mission.
• Collaboration: We find solutions that work for everyone.
• Growth Mindset: We treat challenges as chances to learn.
• Integrity: We make ethical decisions that consider everyone affected.
• Consistency: We give children and families continuity of care and clear expectations.

Ready to lead a classroom where you can do your best teaching? Apply today. We'd love to meet you!

Compensation: The hourly pay range for this position is $18.00 to $21.00. Final compensation is based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. This role may also be eligible for performance-based incentives or other benefits.

Children of America is committed to fair and transparent hiring practices. This job description is intended to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state-specific pay transparency regulations. The listed responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation range reflect the essential functions and expectations of the role.

Children of America is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.