Lead Toddler/ Twos Teacher

High Hopes Learning Center is a full-day private preschool and childcare program serving infants through preschool, with before and after-school care through 5th grade. We are one of three established centers and have proudly served families for over 40 years.

If you are currently in a center that feels chaotic, inconsistent, or filled with unnecessary drama — and you are looking for structure, professionalism, and long-term stability — this is a different environment.

We believe:
Happy staff create happy kids. Happy kids create happy parents.

That only happens when expectations are clear, leadership is present, and accountability is part of the culture.

Position: Lead Teacher (Ages 15 Months – 4 Years)

This role serves toddlers and early preschool children in a structured classroom setting. You will work alongside a co-teacher to maintain routine, consistency, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

What You Can Expect

• Clear classroom systems and daily structure
• Support from leadership — you are not left alone
• Professional teamwork and defined roles
• Organized classrooms that stay licensing-ready
• A culture focused on stability, not drama

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and implement weekly lesson plans appropriate for ages 15 months to 4 years
• Teach social-emotional skills, early language, motor development, and foundational concepts
• Maintain structured classroom management and consistent routines
• Ensure CACFP compliance during meals and snacks
• Provide constant active supervision
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom
• Collaborate professionally with your co-teacher

We are seeking individuals who:

• Value routine and consistency
• Are dependable and accountable
• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Are patient, energetic, and engaged
• Take pride in maintaining a calm, structured classroom

Minimum Qualifications (Illinois Requirements)

• 30 semester credit hours of college
• 6 semester hours in Early Childhood Education (2 ECE courses)
• 1 year of experience in a licensed daycare setting

Director-qualified candidates may qualify for higher compensation tiers and expanded leadership opportunities.

Compensation

$18.50 to $20 for Aids

Teachers start at 19.75 – $24.50 per hour (based on schooling and experience)

Must be DCFS teacher certified Min

The more ECE levels you are the more you are qualified to make
(Based on verified education and experience)

Additional compensation tiers available for:

• Director-qualified educators
• Additional leadership responsibilities

Benefits

• Health Insurance (portion covered; 50% of vision & dental included)
• Professional development financial assistance
• In-house training hours
• Performance-based bonuses
• Paid Christmas week after probationary period
• Additional one-week paid vacation after one year of full-time employment
• Staff lunches twice per month
• Staff dinner meetings twice per year
• Childcare discount for staff children (space dependent; eligibility after 3–6 months)

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Monday – Friday
• 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• In-person position

Location: Chicago Ridge, IL 60415
Applicants must be able to commute or relocate prior to start date.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.75 - $24.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago Ridge, IL 60415: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person