Job Description

At Kïdo, we are redefining early childhood education by blending the world’s most respected global practices into a modern, innovative framework. We build beautifully designed, high-quality centers where children are empowered to lead their own journeys of discovery, and we back our educators with a deeply supportive, "people-first" professional culture.

Joining our team means stepping into a forward-thinking environment where your unique teaching creativity is valued, your professional growth is actively funded, and you can play a pivotal role in shaping a world-class early learning community from the ground up.

Location: Chicago, IL (West Loop)

Job Type: Full-Time, Daycare & Preschool

Category: Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Join the Founding Team for Our Upcoming West Loop Launch!

We are thrilled to announce that Kïdo West Loop is expanding our Chicago footprint! As we prepare to launch our brand-new, state-of-the-art campus, we are opening applications for multiple immediate openings across our early childhood classrooms. We are actively hiring professional Lead Teachers to design, establish, and lead our Infant, Toddler, and Twos classrooms In addition, we have openings for passionate Assistant Teachers looking to make a difference in the lives of young children.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to Listen to children’s needs, Learn alongside them every day, and Lead with creativity and purpose, Kïdo is the community you’ve been looking for. Apply now to secure your spot on this exciting new team as we prepare for our grand opening!

Please Note: To be considered for a Lead Teacher role, applicants must meet the qualifications for an Early Childhood Teacher / Lead Teacher as defined by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) This includes specific college coursework, credit hours, or ECE credentials required for working in a licensed childcare center.

Why Choose Kïdo?

At Kïdo International Preschool, our core values—Listen, Learn, Lead—guide everything we do. We foster a supportive, professional community where early childhood educators are empowered to grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. As a Lead Teacher, you’ll have the opportunity to create impactful learning experiences in an innovative environment that blends respected global practices (including Montessori and Reggio-inspired philosophies) with our own rich, easy-to-implement curriculum.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities):

• Inspire Learning & Implement Curriculum: Use our thoughtfully designed, play-based curriculum to deliver engaging lesson plans tailored specifically for infants, toddlers, or two-year-olds to spark curiosity and support early child development. Your individual teaching creativity is always welcomed and encouraged!
• Classroom Management & Responsive Care: Support the daily growth, safety, and emotional well-being of young children through responsive care, individualized infant/toddler schedules, and positive classroom management.
• Build Strong Relationships: Partner closely with families from day one through excellent daily communication, updates, and meaningful parent-teacher connections regarding each child’s developmental milestones.
• Collaborate with Your Teaching Team: Work alongside assistant teachers and a talented team of founding educators to set up, organize, and maintain a clean, joyful, and purposeful preschool classroom culture.
• Make a Lasting Impact: Support early social-emotional, cognitive, and physical growth in a nurturing, inclusive early childhood learning environment.

Minimum Qualifications (Required by Illinois DCFS):

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 19 years of age (per Illinois state licensing requirements for Lead Early Childhood Teachers).
• Proven experience teaching or working in a licensed preschool, daycare, or childcare center setting.
• Must meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher qualifications, which requires one of the following pathways:
• • 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of college credit from an accredited university, with at least 6 semester hours directly in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development; OR
  • A valid CDA (Child Development Associate) credential; OR
  • An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
• 5–10 years of classroom teaching experience in a licensed childcare setting.
• 2–3 years of experience in a Montessori or Reggio-inspired early learning environment.

Why You’ll Love Working Here (Benefits & Perks):

• People-Focused Culture: We prioritize our teaching team, offering a highly collaborative, supportive workplace where you can truly thrive.
• Professional Development & Career Growth: Paid professional development days, tuition reimbursement, and a clear internal advancement path.
• Work-Life Balance: Competitive salary, 2 weeks of paid vacation, 1 week of sick time, paid holidays, and your birthday off!
• Childcare Benefit: Free tuition for your child (ages 18 months to 5 years).
• Classroom Support: Fully stocked teacher lounge and bi-weekly classroom supply ordering so you never have to buy your own materials.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Financial Bonuses: Annual tenure loyalty bonuses and a $500 referral bonus program.

Be part of something extraordinary! Apply today to join our Chicago founding team and help launch our beautiful new West Loop campus.

Apply now to start your journey with Kido and grow your career in a place where your work truly matters.

Discover more About Kïdo by visiting our website at : https://kidoschools.com/us/

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care, the successful candidate is expected to undergo an enhanced fingerprint-based background check. Kido is an equal opportunity employer.