Lead Teacher

Arrowleaf

. Maintain required staff-child ratios and group sizes in classrooms, outdoors, on field trips, during shift changes, and transitions .

Posted 10/17/2026full-timeVienna • Illinois • United StatesSenior💰 $21 - $21 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in child development and age-appropriate learning activities, while effectively communicating with children and families. Proficient in maintaining a safe and supportive classroom environment and implementing positive behavior guidance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Montessori Teacher CertificationChild Development KnowledgePositive Behavior GuidanceExperience with BrightwheelIllinois State Police Background Check

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Child Development CourseworkExperience Curriculum PlanningDevelopmental ScreeningsLearning Center SetupHealth and Safety ProceduresDocumentation and ReportingIllness Verification FormsMedication AdministrationClassroom Routines SupportCDA or Equivalent Credential

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsPatienceFlexibilityTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

BrightwheelPyramid ModelDaily Written Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

MACTE-accredited Montessori CertificationCDA CredentialGateways ECE Credential Level 3Gateways Infant Toddler Credential Level 3

Industry Keywords

Childcare PracticesSafety DrillsAttendance ManagementFamily ConferencesConfidentiality Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Maintain required staff-child ratios and group sizes in classrooms, outdoors, on field trips, during shift changes, and transitions
Keep accurate attendance and confirm arrivals and departures with families
Lead monthly fire, tornado, and Arrowleaf safety drills; account for every child
Report facility hazards and unsafe equipment to the Director
Plan and post a daily program using the Experience Curriculum by Brightwheel with Montessori-inspired activities, routines, active and quiet play, and free choice
Set up learning centers for art, dramatic play, music, sensory, language arts, science, math/manipulatives, and large motor activities
Complete ASQ developmental screenings with parent consent
Document learning in Brightwheel using photos, narratives, and anecdotal records; use documentation to plan curriculum and family conferences
Write and carry out individual plans with families and resource staff when needed
Record feedings and diapering and share daily written reports with parents
Use positive guidance under the Pyramid Model, including redirection, natural and logical consequences, anticipating problems, and encouraging cooperation
Follow handwashing, diapering, toileting, sanitizing, and toy-cleaning procedures
Apply the illness exclusion policy, supervise ill children, arrange parent pickup within 30 minutes, and complete Illness Verification forms
Administer prescription medication only with written provider authorization, in the original labeled container, and after parent training
Send daily written communication through Brightwheel and contribute to the monthly newsletter
Release children only to authorized individuals after checking identification when required
Maintain confidentiality of child records, screening results, and family information during and after employment
Report suspected abuse or neglect immediately to the DCFS Hotline and notify the Director
Supervise, train, and assign duties to Assistant Teachers, Student/Youth Aides, and volunteers
Participate in center-wide decisions, staff meetings, parent conferences, and family events
A Lead Teacher with 2,880 documented LLLC teaching hours may be designated to open or close the center in the Director’s absence through June 30, 2029

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum age of 19 required
High school diploma or GED required
MACTE-accredited, AMS, or AMI Montessori teacher certification (birth to age 12) may substitute for required child development coursework
60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of college credit, including 6 semester hours in childcare or child development (birth to age 6); or 1,560 clock hours (one year) of experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center plus 30 semester hours of college credit, including 6 semester hours in childcare or child development; or a department-approved credential such as CDA, CCP, Gateways ECE Credential Level 3 or higher, or Gateways Infant Toddler Credential Level 3 or higher
Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate learning activities
Basic knowledge of childcare practices, health, safety, and sanitation procedures
Ability to establish positive, nurturing relationships with children
Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, teachers, and staff
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a classroom team
Patience, flexibility, and adaptability when working with young children
Strong observation and interpersonal skills
Ability to support classroom routines, learning activities, and transitions
Proficiency in positive behavior guidance and responding appropriately to children’s needs
Sensitivity to cultural, developmental, and individual differences among children
Ability to maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and supportive classroom environment
Must clear Illinois State Police, FBI fingerprint, DCFS (CANTS/SACWIS), and Illinois Sex Offender Registry checks before working with children
Must complete a physical exam no more than 6 months before hire, including a Mantoux TB test; re-exam every 2 years
Three verified written character references
Proof of education and verification of qualifying experience
Signed mandated reporter acknowledgment, Arrowleaf Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights Agreement, and LLLC statement of confidentiality
Gateways to Opportunity Registry membership within 30 days of hire
Must be 21 years of age to drive agency vehicles and transport children

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, vision and dental insurance options available after 1st day of the month after 60 calendar days of employment
Up to $50,000 life insurance policy
401(k) with company match for qualifying staff
Voluntary Benefits (Critical Illness, Short-Term disability, Accident/Incident, Hospital Indemnity)
Mileage reimbursement
Up to 376 hours of paid time off within the first year, including 13 paid holidays, up to 40 hours personal time, 12 sick days, 40 hours bereavement leave, 12 vacation days, and 8 hours volunteer paid time off per year
Paid advanced trainings and certification opportunities
Leadership & Advancement Opportunities
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
Additional opportunities for compensation are available above starting salary
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
Union position