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We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
Join the Founding Team at Our Brand-New Preschool in LaGrange Park, IL!
Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary? The Gardner School is opening a new, state-of-the-art preschool in LaGrange Park, IL early winter, and we’re HIRING NOW for passionate educators and leaders. APPLY NOW to join our founding team as a Lead Teacher!
If you have a desire and passion to make a difference in the lives of children and parents, The Gardner School is the place for you.
About Our New School:
Our LaGrange Park campus will feature:
- Purposefully designed classrooms with the latest in ECE tools and technology
- Dedicated enrichment and STEM spaces
- A warm, engaging, and professional environment built on our core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Making a Difference
What You’ll Do As a Lead Teacher:
- Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellence
- Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference
- Build meaningful relationships with families and children
- Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity
- Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment
What We Offer
- Competitive Pay: $18.70-$22.00 per hour, based on education and experience
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities
- Career Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, access to our company-sponsored CDA program, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
- Meet state licensing requirements for education and experience (Required)
- CDA, or Associates Degree with at least 6 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education (required); Bachelor’s degree in Elementary or Early Childhood Education or related degree, with at least 6 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education (preferred).
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in an Early Childhood Education setting (Required)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) (Required).
- Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required)
- Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required)
Physical Demands:
- Frequently lifts or moves weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children and infants of 10 to 60 pounds.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.
- Ability to operate computer, phone, and other office equipment as needed.
- Regular and reliable attendance.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.
Skills Required
- Meet state licensing requirements for education and experience
- CDA, or an associate degree with at least 6 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor's degree in Elementary or Early Childhood Education or a related degree, with at least 6 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in an Early Childhood Education setting
- CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain
- Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
- Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks
- Ability to lift, carry, and hold children and infants weighing 10 to 60 pounds
- Fluent English communication skills
- Regular and reliable attendance
What We Do
The Gardner School operates academically focused preschools and childcare centers for children from six weeks through age five. Its programs combine intentional early learning, experienced and caring teachers, peer interaction, and thoughtfully designed environments to support children’s growth, curiosity, confidence, and sense of belonging. The company serves families across multiple U.S. states through year-round early childhood education and full- and part-time childcare offerings.
