Job Title: Lead Preschool Teacher, Founding Program
Location: Lakeview East, Chicago, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Family Room Chicago:
Family Room Chicago is a unique community hub designed as an all-inclusive haven for play, relaxation, and connection for children and adults alike. Our mission is to provide an enriching and worry-free environment where kids can thrive and grown-ups can relax, work, or connect. Our existing open play space, featuring daily themed activities curated by child development experts and adapted with Montessori and Reggio Emilia and other play-based principles, is the foundation of our community. We are now expanding our offerings to include a new, licensed preschool program that will embody our core values and innovative approach to early learning.
Opportunity:
We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and entrepreneurial Lead Preschool Teacher to launch our founding program. This is a unique opportunity for an early learning educator who wants to design a curriculum and classroom environment from the ground up, in a space that offers a "more residential" feel while still being a fully licensed facility. The program will operate within our existing open play space, utilizing a dedicated, separate breakout room, allowing for a transparent school experience and opportunities for children to engage with a wider community.
Key Responsibilities:
Program and Curriculum Design: Partner with the founder to develop and implement a unique, innovative teaching pedagogy aligned with NAEYC accreditation guidelines and approach, curiosity, and play-based learning models similar to Reggio.
Curriculum Implementation: Plan and lead a developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances structured and unstructured playtime, fostering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
Classroom Environment: Create and maintain an organized, safe, healthy, and responsive learning environment that aligns with program goals and licensing rules and regulations.
Documentation and Assessment: Observe, document, and assess children's progress on an ongoing basis using anecdotal records, photos, and work samples, and use this documentation to guide planning and make learning visible to families.
Family and Community Engagement: Build strong, sincere relationships with families, maintaining frequent and open communication through daily interactions, formal progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
Leadership and Mentorship: Lead, mentor, and collaborate with a dedicated full-time Assistant Teacher to ensure a cohesive vision and high standards within the classroom.
Professionalism: Adhere to all state and local licensing requirements (DCFS and ISBE), participate in mandatory staff meetings and professional development opportunities, and uphold ethical and professional conduct at all times.
Active Engagement: Actively supervise and engage with children, encouraging positive interactions, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning in both the dedicated preschool space and the co-located open play area.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field required.
Certification/Licensure: Must meet all Illinois state licensing requirements for a Lead Preschool Teacher, including a Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Early Childhood Education endorsement, or equivalent credentials such as a Level 4 Early Childhood Credential from DCFS.
Experience: Prior experience working as a lead teacher in a licensed early childhood setting is required, with a demonstrated understanding of NAEYC, Reggio, Montessori and other play-based principles.
Skills: Strong leadership, communication (verbal and written), organizational, and classroom management skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and move with children (up to 40 lbs), move from sitting to standing quickly and easily, and respond to emergency situations.
Background Check: Successful completion of comprehensive background check and all other necessary security protocols.
Benefits:
Opportunity to partner with the founder and design a new, innovative preschool program.
Supportive team environment with a dedicated full-time assistant.
Access to professional development assistance and resources.
Employee discounts and other potential benefits (health insurance, paid time off, etc. - based on company policy).
Expected salary range: 55,000–65,000 USD per year
Additional Benefits include: Paid time off, Paid sick leave, Parental leave, 401(k) match
Additional Perks include: Career development; Learning stipend
Equal Employment Opportunity
Family Room Chicago LLC and Family Room Chicago on Broadway LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Reasonable Accomomdation
Family Room Chicago LLC and Family Room Chicago on Broadway LLC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at connect@familyroomchicago.com.