Green Bean is Hiring a Lead Toddler Teacher!

We are currently looking to fill 1 Lead Teacher position in our Older Toddler classroom (24-36 month age group). Full time availability is required for lead roles.

At Green Bean, we provide a nurturing, eco-friendly environment for children aged six weeks to five years. We take pride in offering high-quality childcare and early education within a thoughtfully designed space that supports strong, positive relationships among children, families, and educators. As a small, community-focused business with two wonderful locations in Chicago, we’re proud to be a warm, collaborative, and positive place to work. We are a year-round program and are open between the hours of 7:30 a.m - 6:00 p.m. This positions hours will be coordinated with the applicant upon hire.

Our program is inspired by the acclaimed Reggio Emilia Approach, emphasizing hands-on learning, creativity, and respect for each child’s unique developmental journey.

What Makes The Green Bean a Great Place to Work?

• Supportive Administration: Our leadership team is approachable and genuinely invested in supporting teachers both in and out of the classroom.
• Dedicated Planning Time: Teachers receive regular, paid planning time outside of the classroom to create lessons, prep materials, and collaborate with colleagues.
• Wonderful Families & Students: Our families are engaged and appreciative, and our students make every day joyful and rewarding.
• Friendly, Professional Team: You’ll be joining a group of passionate educators who value teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect.
• Beautiful, Eco-Friendly Classrooms: Our spaces are thoughtfully designed with natural materials and a focus on child-led learning.
• Growth Opportunities: We encourage professional development and support teachers in expanding their skills and knowledge in early childhood education.

General responsibilities for the Lead Teacher role include, but are not limited to:

• Developing weekly lesson plans based on the project approach that includes activities in the following areas: science, math, literacy/language, and physical development
• Following a daily classroom schedule that includes choice time, circle time, outside/gross motor time, and art/sensory activities
• Providing high-quality care including changing diapers, following hand washing procedures for staff and children, participate in family style dining, and monitor the safety and wellbeing of each child
• Documenting group activities through photos, observations and teacher reflection
• Conducting regular observations for individual portfolio assessments
• Conducting parent-teacher conferences
• Direct supervision of one or more teaching assistants (including conducting regular team meetings, modeling appropriate interactions with children and parents, training teaching assistants on documentation and project work)
• Sending parent newsletter every week
• Participating in annual Open House and other family events at the school
• Participating in ongoing professional development (a minimum of 15 hours per year is required by DCFS)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred) in ECE or related field preferred (with a minimum of six semester hours in courses directly related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age six)
• At least one year experience providing care and education for young children in a group childcare setting
• Knowledge of and experience with the Reggio Approach and documentation preferred
• Willingness to develop teaching skills through reflective practice
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice
• Knowledge of DCFS licensing standards
• Maintain valid DCFS required certifications (SIDS, SBS, Food Handler, etc.)
• Three (3) written character references
• Complete a background check and fingerprinting
• Must be available to work full time between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Schedule coordinated with the Director.
• Meets all DCFS licensing requirements, per the Rules 407, including a physical examination which provides evidence that staff are free of communicable disease, including active tuberculosis, and physical or mental conditions that could affect their ability to perform assigned duties

Visit our website at www.greenbeandayschool.com to learn more about us!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you qualified for this position and able to work 40 hours per week?

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60654 (Required)

Work Location: In person