About Right At School – A Mission‑Driven Leader in Early Childhood Education
Right At School is not just a company; it is a growing movement that believes every child deserves a caring, stimulating, and academically enriching start to life. Since our founding in 2010, we have experienced a remarkable 50% year‑over‑year growth, earning recognition on the prestigious Crain’s Fast 50 and Inc. 5000 lists. Our success is built on a simple yet powerful premise: when educators thrive, children flourish, families feel supported, and communities become stronger.
Operating from a flexible, fully remote headquarters, we partner with school districts across Illinois and beyond, delivering high‑quality preschool programs that meet state QRIS standards and accreditation requirements. Our culture celebrates collaboration, continuous learning, and a deep respect for the diverse backgrounds of our staff, students, and families. As we expand, we are looking for passionate, driven professionals who want to make a tangible difference while advancing their own career trajectory.
Why This Role Matters – The Impact of a Full‑Time Preschool Teacher
Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and emotional resilience. As a Full‑Time Preschool Teacher stationed virtually but serving the Lemont, IL community, you will be at the heart of this transformative experience. Your daily interactions will shape children’s curiosity, foster a love for learning, and equip families with the confidence that their youngest members are in safe, nurturing hands.
Beyond classroom instruction, you will collaborate with district personnel, engage parents, and contribute to program development that aligns with accreditation standards. This multifaceted role positions you as a leader, mentor, and advocate for early education excellence.
Key Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Every Day
- Design & Deliver Dynamic Curriculum: Create and implement age‑appropriate, play‑based learning experiences that incorporate literacy, math, science, art, and social‑emotional development.
- Student Assessment & Intervention: Work closely with school district staff to assess student progress, develop individualized behavior plans, and provide timely interventions that support each child’s unique needs.
- Classroom Management & Safety: Model positive guidance techniques, maintain a safe and organized learning environment, and ensure compliance with health and safety protocols, including mask usage and vaccination policies as required.
- Accreditation & Quality Assurance: Lead accreditation and re‑accreditation activities, ensuring that all program elements meet state QRIS standards and internal quality benchmarks.
- Family & Community Engagement: Communicate regularly with parents and guardians, delivering progress updates, addressing concerns, and fostering strong home‑school partnerships.
- Team Collaboration: Participate in weekly meetings with the Program Manager to discuss professional development goals, classroom outcomes, and team accountability.
- Administrative Excellence: Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents, lesson plans, and assessment data; organize materials and resources for seamless daily operations.
- Professional Growth: Pursue ongoing training opportunities, attend webinars, and contribute ideas for program enhancements that reflect best practices in early childhood education.
- Flexibility & Adaptability: Align working hours with school schedules (Mon‑Fri, 6:30 am – 6:00 pm) and adapt to virtual collaboration tools and remote teaching platforms.
Essential Qualifications – What You Must Bring
- Education: Associate’s Degree with at least 60 semester hours in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum of 1 year of direct, hands‑on experience in a licensed childcare or preschool setting, demonstrating competency in classroom instruction and child safety.
- Certifications & Clearances: Current First Aid/CPR certification, MERIT (or equivalent) background clearance, and a cleared TB test as required by state regulations.
- Customer Service & Relationship Skills: Proven ability to build trusting relationships with parents, staff, and community partners.
- Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex ideas to children, families, and district personnel.
- Passion for Early Learning: A genuine love for inspiring curiosity and fostering a supportive learning environment for young children.
Preferred Qualifications – What Sets You Apart
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related discipline.
- Experience with virtual or hybrid preschool programs, including proficiency with digital learning platforms.
- Specialized training in trauma‑informed education, inclusive practices, or special education.
- Professional certifications such as Child Development Associate (CDA), Early Childhood Specialist, or similar credentials.
- Demonstrated track record of contributing to program accreditation processes.
Core Skills & Competencies – What Helps You Succeed
- Instructional Design: Ability to craft engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that align with state standards and curriculum frameworks.
- Behavior Management: Skilled in positive guidance strategies, de‑escalation techniques, and fostering a respectful classroom culture.
- Data‑Driven Decision Making: Comfortable analyzing assessment data to inform instruction and individualized support plans.
- Collaboration: Strong team player who thrives in a remote environment, leveraging technology for effective communication.
- Organizational Acumen: Detail‑oriented in maintaining records, tracking attendance, and managing lesson resources.
- Adaptability: Ability to pivot quickly in response to changing schedules, policy updates, or emergent child needs.
- Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with learning management systems, video conferencing tools, and digital documentation platforms.
Career Path & Professional Development – Growing With Right At School
At Right At School, your career trajectory is as dynamic as the classrooms you lead. We invest heavily in our educators through:
- Continuous Learning Stipends: Annual budgets for conferences, courses, and certifications to keep you at the forefront of early education trends.
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior educators and program managers to accelerate skill development and leadership readiness.
- Clear Promotion Pathways: Opportunities to advance into roles such as Lead Teacher, Curriculum Specialist, Program Manager, or Regional Director.
- Performance‑Based Salary Increases: Transparent pay structures that reward excellence, experience, and additional responsibilities.
- Cross‑Functional Exposure: Participation in company‑wide initiatives, such as community outreach, policy advocacy, and technology integration projects.
Our commitment to your professional growth ensures that as you help children thrive, you also achieve your own career aspirations.
Our Culture & Work Environment – Why You’ll Love Working With Us
Right At School prides itself on a culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and authentic self‑expression. We understand that the best educators bring their whole selves to the classroom, and we foster an environment where:
- Inclusivity Is Core: We welcome individuals of all ages, races, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
- Collaboration Is Everyday: Regular virtual huddles, peer‑review sessions, and shared best‑practice repositories keep our team connected and supportive.
- Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling aligned with school hours, remote work capabilities, and generous paid time off empower you to recharge.
- Technology‑Enabled: An intuitive online HR platform gives you 24/7 access to payroll, benefits, learning resources, and performance dashboards.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to volunteer in local schools, organize family events, and participate in outreach programs that strengthen community ties.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks – What We Offer
We recognize that competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits are essential to attract top talent. While exact salary will reflect your experience and qualifications, you can expect:
- Competitive Base Salary: Aligned with market rates for full‑time preschool educators in the Lemont and greater Chicago area.
- Health & Wellness Packages: Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options including short‑term disability and life insurance (eligibility‑based).
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.
- Free Before‑ and After‑School Childcare: For your own children, reinforcing our commitment to work‑life integration.
- Commuter Benefits: Subsidized transportation options for those who choose to work on‑site occasionally.
- Paid Time Off & Holidays: Generous vacation accruals, sick leave, and paid holidays.
- Professional Development Incentives: Salary raises tied to completed training, certifications, and performance milestones.
- Well‑Being Programs: Access to mental health resources, wellness challenges, and employee assistance programs.
We also adhere to all state and district health guidelines, including mandatory COVID‑19 vaccination policies where applicable, and provide personal protective equipment to ensure a safe work environment.
How to Apply – Take the Next Step Toward a Rewarding Career
If you are ready to inspire young minds, collaborate with a vibrant team, and grow your professional journey, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications through our secure online portal.
Apply today and become a catalyst for early learning excellence in Lemont, IL!
Apply Now