Kido Careers

Lead Early Childhood Teacher and Director Designee

Chicago, IL · Director · Contract

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 3 days ago

SparkLeadershipCommunicationCollaboration

About the role

Guided by Reggio Emilia and Montessori principles, we spark curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
This is primarily a full-time classroom teaching position focused on leading instruction, implementing curriculum, and working directly with children.
Additionally, because you hold a Director Qualification, you will serve as our trusted Backup Director Designee.

Family Engagement: Build strong, trusting relationships with children and families through excellent daily communication, digital updates, and parent connections.
Team Collaboration: Foster a nurturing, inspiring environment and collaborate closely with assistant teachers and a supportive, team-oriented staff.
Build strong, trusting relationships with children and families through excellent daily communication, digital updates, and parent connections.
Foster a nurturing, inspiring environment and collaborate closely with assistant teachers and a supportive, team-oriented staff.

Must be fully Director Qualified per Illinois DCFS Part 407 regulations (Absolute Requirement).
Must be at least 19 years of age (per state licensing regulations for lead-level and administrative roles).
High School Diploma or GED (with the requisite college credits/degrees required to satisfy the DCFS Director Qualification pathway).
Must-Have Qualifications (Required by Illinois DCFS) Licensing: Must be fully Director Qualified per Illinois DCFS Part 407 regulations (Absolute Requirement).
Age Requirement: Must be at least 19 years of age (per state licensing regulations for lead-level and administrative roles).

or a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
Language Skills: Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus.
Your birthday off!
If you meet the Illinois DCFS Director Qualification requirements but your heart belongs in the classroom, we want to provide a professional, supportive environment where you can do both.
Apply today and grow with Kïdo Chicago!
Kido is an equal opportunity employer.

Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus.
Why Join Kïdo?
Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, paid training, and dedicated school-wide professional development days.

$500 referral bonus when you help us grow our team.
Full-time team members also receive: Up to 3 weeks of paid time off (PTO) in your first year + paid holidays.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with strong employer contributions.
Free life and short-term disability insurance.
Curriculum Implementation: Create engaging, play-based learning experiences using Kïdo's globally inspired curriculum, while infusing your own creative teaching ideas.
Backup Director Designee Coverage: Act as the designated Administrator on duty when the core center leadership team is out of the building or unavailable.
Operational Support: During designated coverage blocks, ensure Illinois DCFS licensing standards, safety protocols, and center checklists are smoothly maintained.
Education: High School Diploma or GED (with the requisite college credits/degrees required to satisfy the DCFS Director Qualification pathway).
Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, or a closely related field; or a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
Background: 2-10 years of experience in early childhood education (experience in a Montessori or Reggio-inspired program is a major plus).

This listing is sourced directly from Kido Careers's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.