About this role
We're Looking for a Rock Star Teacher!
Are you ready to make a real difference? We’re on the lookout for an extraordinary Early Childhood Education Teacher who’s not just passionate about education, but is also deeply committed to building strong, connected families and powerful communities where children truly come first. This is more than just a job— it’s a mission.
Why You'll Love Working with Us:
- Make a REAL Impact: This isn't your average job. You're shaping the future by empowering students, supporting families, and building a stronger community where children come first
- Flexible & Supportive Environment: We prioritize work-life balance and believe in creating a work atmosphere where you can grow and thrive.
- Professional Growth: We invest in your development! With continuous learning opportunities, you’ll grow your skills and passion while making a meaningful difference.
- Collaborative Team: Work with a supportive, like-minded group of educators and community partners who share your vision for a better future.
- Be Part of Something Bigger: This is not just a job— it’s a movement to transform communities and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
- Sign-on Bonus - $2,000 Hiring Bonus for external candidates (50% after 90 days of employment and 50% after one year of employment)
We offer an extensive benefits package that adds value to your total compensation. Our benefits include:
- Health, dental and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage
- 401k with company match
- Generous PTO – first year - 23 days, the second year - 28 days, the third year and on - 35 days
- 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible Spending Account
- Company Paid STD & LTD Insurance
- Company Paid Life Insurance
Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It:
- Ignite the Spark: Foster a love of learning that empowers students to dream big, think critically, and grow as individuals.
- Support Families: Collaborate with parents and caregivers to create a supportive environment where children’s needs are met both inside and outside the classroom.
- Build Communities: Work alongside fellow educators, community leaders, and families to build a network of support that uplifts and strengthens the whole community.
- Create Impact: Use your teaching to cultivate not just academic success, but a sense of belonging, resilience, and pride in every child and family.
What We're Looking for:
- Passion & Heart: You genuinely care about students, families, and the community.
- Creative Teaching: You think outside the box and bring fresh ideas into the classroom.
- Team Player: You collaborate and communicate with others, from students to families to community partners.
- Adaptable Spirit: You embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and impact.
Credentials Required:
- Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field): A strong foundation in education is key.
- Experience: While we value experience, we also welcome those who bring unique perspectives and fresh approaches to education.
- Background Check: Safety is important— successful candidates will undergo a background screening.
How This Aligns with Our Mission:
At our core, we’re all about catalyzing change by developing strong families and powerful communities. As a teacher with us, you’ll play a pivotal role in this mission by shaping the minds of the next generation while also being a positive force in the lives of their families. You’re not just teaching—you’re helping to create a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities where children truly matter most.
While we desire for this job posting to be comprehensive, all aspects of the position may be amended at any time at the discretion of IAFC including job duties, work location and/or work schedule.
Starting salary $43,800 - minimum, based on experience. IL Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer.
Other facts
About Illinois Action For Children
Illinois Action for Children is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to quality, accessible early learning and care opportunities for children. With nearly 600 employees representing more than 20 programs and service across four sites, we have championed the cause of quality child care and early education for families and children throughout Illinois for over 50 years.
Illinois Action for Children is a state and national leader in the early care and education community, distinguished by its "Strong Families, Powerful Communities" approach to child development, preschool education and other family and community supports.
This broad approach to supporting children by supporting families is a proven and effective means to address overarching issues of endemic poverty, which are the root cause of the educational failure of America's poorest children.
Illinois Action for Children's outreach and work with low-income, hard-to-reach families, has led us to research and implement highly effective and innovative programs and advocacy to ensure that early care and education, and other opportunities, are accessible to the children most in need. Highlights from our programs include:
- Public Policy & Advocacy organizing to expand access to child care and early education, and other supports.
- Early Learning Programs to make early education available to young children so they will be ready to succeed when they start school.
- Resource and Referral Program to connect child care providers, parents, and employers with resources such as child care referrals, professional development, health services and community supports.
Our mission is to be a catalyst for organizing, developing and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
What you'll do
- Foster a love of learning in students and support families in creating a nurturing environment. Collaborate with educators and community leaders to strengthen community support networks.
Ready to join Illinois Action For Children?
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