Daycare Teacher (Birth - Preschool)

Job Details: Job Location: ITAV Early Learning Center - Chicago, IL, Salary Range: $54097.00 - $73517.00Salary/year, About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV)

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) is a beacon for educating and uplifting Black children and families across Chicago. We provide a culturally responsive, social justice–centered education that empowers students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and changemakers.

At ITAV, learning is joyful and transformative, teaching is innovative, and classrooms extend far beyond four walls. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—while building strong, connected communities.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Birth–Preschool Teacher to join our early childhood team. In this role, you will create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where infants and toddlers can explore, grow, and reach key developmental milestones.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact during the most critical years of a child’s development while contributing to a mission-driven, innovative organization.

Key Responsibilities

Provide attentive, nurturing care to infants, toddlers, preschool aged children in a safe and stimulating environment
Build strong, responsive relationships with children and families
Conduct developmental observations and assessments to support individualized learning plans
Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities that support cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom aligned with licensing and health regulations
Monitor children’s well-being and respond appropriately to signs of illness or distress
Collaborate with colleagues and leadership to continuously improve classroom practices and student outcomes
Perform additional duties as assigned to support classroom, site, and organizational needs

Why Join ITAV?

Make an Impact : Be a foundational part of a child’s earliest learning experiences and family journey

Grow Your Career: Access ongoing professional development, leadership pathways, and tuition assistance

Be in Community: Join a team of passionate educators committed to excellence, equity, and innovation

Innovate in Education: Contribute to a model that integrates social justice, community engagement, and high-quality early learning

Position Details

Locations: Humboldt Park, South Loop, Austin (Chicago, IL)
Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position
Salary Range: $54,097 – $73,517
Grant Funded

This position is supported through grant-funded programs that are integral to ITAV’s early childhood education model. These funding streams enable us to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive care and learning across our communities.

Salary Placement (Based on Credentials):

Credential

Salary Range

MA + PEL

$68,970 – $73,517

MA Degree

$59,310 – $63,220

BA Degree + PEL

$64,502 – $68,754

BA Degree

$54,097 – $57,663

 
Qualifications: Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Gateways Credential (Level 5)

Preferred:

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Professional Educator License (PEL) in Early Childhood Education
Prior experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed childcare or early learning setting 

Who You Are

Child-Centered: You prioritize the safety, well-being, and development of young children
Knowledgeable: You understand early childhood development, milestones, and individual learning differences
Creative & Engaging: You design meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity and exploration
Collaborative: You value teamwork and open communication with families and colleagues
Mission-Aligned: You are passionate about culturally responsive education and social justice

Compensation & Benefits

We believe in investing in our educators through a competitive, transparent compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and long-term success.

Up to 80% employer-paid medical coverage
Full benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability
3% 401(k) employer match to help you build long-term financial security
Up to $10,000 annually in tuition assistance to support degree completion and credential advancement
Robust paid time off,  including 16 PTO days per year, 9 sick/personal days per year, and compensatory time eligible
15 paid holidays annually
Clear pathways for career advancement and leadership opportunities

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are passionate about early childhood education and ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Submit your resume and cover letter to join a team that is shaping the future—one child at a time.