Overview
Reed-Custer Early Learning Center, part of Reed-Custer School District in Braidwood, is seeking a nurturing and dedicated Early Childhood Teacher (DCFS Qualified) to join our growing team for the 2026–2027 school year, beginning August 7, 2026.
If you are passionate about helping young children learn through play, building meaningful relationships with families, and working in a supportive early learning environment, we invite you to apply to become part of our team.
At Reed-Custer Early Learning Center, we believe childhood should be filled with curiosity, creativity, and joy. Every day, we help children learn and grow through hands-on activities, purposeful play, and meaningful experiences that support their social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
We provide high-quality child care and early education for children from 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten. Teachers may work with infants, toddlers, two-year-olds, or preschool-aged children based on program needs and experience.
Schedule & Compensation
This position offers a consistent 7:30 AM–4:00 PM schedule and follows the school-year calendar, with 179 workdays annually. Employees enjoy holidays off, along with winter, spring, and summer breaks to rest, recharge, and spend time outside of work.
Pay ranges from $23.00–$25.50 per hour, depending on education and relevant early childhood experience. Based on a 179-day school-year schedule, this equals an annual salary range of approximately $32,936–$36,516.
Employees who choose not to enroll in the district’s health insurance plan may be eligible for a $1,500 annual health insurance waiver stipend, in accordance with district guidelines.
Although compensation is based on 179 workdays per school year, salaries are distributed evenly across 26 pay periods, providing consistent paychecks throughout the year—including during scheduled school breaks.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 60 semester hours of college coursework, including at least 6 semester hours in child development, early childhood education, or related coursework focused on children from birth through age 6.
- Experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children in a licensed child care center is preferred.
- Must meet Illinois DCFS qualifications for an Early Childhood Teacher.
Responsibilities
- Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that support each child's growth and development.
- Create a warm, safe, and welcoming classroom where children feel valued and encouraged to explore, play, and learn.
- Observe and document children's progress to guide instruction and communicate developmental milestones with families.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
- Foster creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning through art, music, literacy, movement, sensory experiences, and play.
- Support children's social-emotional development by encouraging confidence, cooperation, independence, and problem-solving skills.
- Collaborate with fellow teachers to create a positive, team-oriented learning environment.
- Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and institute days.
- Follow all DCFS licensing requirements, safety procedures, and Reed-Custer School District policies.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
- Communicate regularly with families to build strong home-school partnerships and celebrate each child's growth.
Join a team that values collaboration, creativity, and the importance of early childhood education. If you're ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children while enjoying the benefits of a school-year schedule, we encourage you to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
