The Heart of LFCDS

Early Childhood Program, Ages 3–4

Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Preschool Lead Teacher to guide our youngest learners, ages 3–4, in a nurturing, developmentally responsive environment. 

Position Overview

The Preschool program provides a nurturing and engaging environment for children ages 3-4, supporting their growing independence, curiosity, and confidence as learners. Through purposeful play, hands-on exploration, collaborative experiences, and meaningful routines, children strengthen their social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development. In a joyful and thoughtfully structured classroom, children build foundational skills in problem-solving, self-expression, creativity, and early academic learning while developing a lifelong love of discovery. 

This position is for a 5-day, half-day program with the possibility of additional teaching responsibilities to support a full-time schedule from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 

The Preschool program emphasizes:

• Transition from parallel to interactive play 

• Language development as a tool for communication and self-expression 

• Respect for self, others, and the environment 

• Development of gross and fine motor skills 

• Strong partnerships between school and home that support each child's growth, learning, and well-being 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a classroom serving children ages 3-4, fostering a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. 

• Support children's growth across social-emotional, cognitive, language, physical, and creative domains of development. 

• Design and implement curriculum grounded in play-based, inquiry-driven, and experiential learning. 

• Promote the development of self-confidence, independence, problem-solving skills, and respectful interactions with peers and adults. 

• Model appropriate behavior and guide children using clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and responsive teaching practices. 

• Observe, assess, and document children's progress to inform instruction and support individual learning needs. 

• Collaborate closely with colleagues to support a cohesive, nurturing, and high-quality early childhood program. 

• Build strong partnerships with families through ongoing communication, parent conferences, and collaborative efforts that support each child's growth, learning, and well-being. 

• Create an inclusive classroom community that celebrates diversity, fosters belonging, and encourages curiosity and a love of learning. 

Professional and Personal Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with preschoolers (ages 3–4) preferred  

• Strong understanding of early childhood development  

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills  

• Warm, patient, and responsive teaching approach 

• Affinity and enthusiasm for working with young children 

• Demonstrated creativity, innovation, and the ability to manage classroom behavior     

• Excellent communication and organizational skills 

• Willingness to learn and improve professionally 

• Sound judgment and emotional maturity 

• Ability to collaborate and work with a team, willingness to engage in all aspects of the LFCDS community 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university  

• Integrity, ethical conduct, and professional discretion with confidential matters 

Compensation and Benefits

This position may be filled as either a half-time (0.50 FTE) or full-time (1.0 FTE) role. 

The salary range for a 1.0 FTE position is $53,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience. The salary range for a 0.50 FTE position is $26,500-$42,500, commensurate with experience. 

Employees in the full-time (1.0 FTE) position are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions; paid time off; and generous tuition remission benefits for eligible dependents. 

Employees in the half-time (0.50 FTE) position are eligible for dental, vision, and long-term disability (LTD) insurance; paid time off; and other benefits in accordance with School policy. Tuition remission benefits may be available in accordance with School policy and eligibility requirements. 

Benefits are subject to the terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements of School policies and benefit plans.

Mission Statement: Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning and builds a foundation of strong character, preparing students to navigate their path with purpose. 

Core Beliefs:

Childhood is championed: We center all we do on what is best for our students, protecting and building upon the magic of these precious years. 

Community is our core: Honest and respectful relationships, formed through conversation and collaboration, build trust and a sense of belonging – honoring the dignity of every person. 

Curiosity is a gift: Wonder is an animating force that resides in every person and should be modeled and nurtured to stimulate self-discovery, spark innovation, and drive creativity. 

We aim high: Raising expectations activates the great potential we see in every person and elicits efforts that result in individual growth and the collective success of our community. 

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, and the names of three professional references (personal statement optional) in PDF format to the attention of Abby Acuna, Head of Early Childhood, at abby.acuna@lfcds.org

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks and embraces diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. LFCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Item description

Early Childhood Program, Ages 3–4

Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Assistant Preschool Teacher to Support our youngest learners, ages 3–4, in a nurturing, developmentally responsive environment. 

Position Overview

The Preschool program provides a nurturing and engaging environment for children ages 3-4, supporting their growing independence, curiosity, and confidence as learners. Through purposeful play, hands-on exploration, collaborative experiences, and meaningful routines, children strengthen their social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development. In a joyful and thoughtfully structured classroom, children build foundational skills in problem-solving, self-expression, creativity, and early academic learning while developing a lifelong love of discovery. 

This position is for a 5-day, half-day program with the possibility of additional teaching responsibilities to support a full-time schedule from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Teacher in creating a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages 3-4. 

• Foster children's growth across social-emotional, cognitive, language, physical, and creative domains. 

• Assist with the implementation of play-based, inquiry-driven, and experiential learning experiences. 

• Promote self-confidence, independence, and positive interactions among children. 

• Support classroom routines, transitions, and daily activities with consistency and care. 

• Guide children using positive reinforcement and developmentally appropriate behavior support. 

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Teacher and Early Childhood team. 

• Assist with observation, documentation, and classroom preparation. 

• Build positive relationships with families through warm and professional communication. 

• Help create an inclusive classroom community that fosters belonging, curiosity, and a love of learning. 

Professional and Personal Qualifications

• Experience working with preschool-aged children (ages 3-4) preferred 

• Strong understanding of early childhood development 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills 

• Warm, patient, and responsive approach to working with young children 

• Affinity and enthusiasm for supporting children's learning and development 

• Demonstrated creativity, flexibility, and ability to support positive classroom behavior 

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills 

• Willingness to learn, grow professionally, and contribute to a collaborative team environment 

• Ability to work closely with colleagues and engage in all aspects of the LFCDS community 

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred

• Integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential information 

Salary Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. 

Benefits:  Employees in the half-time position are eligible for dental, vision, and long-term disability (LTD) insurance; paid time off; and other benefits in accordance with School policy. Employees in the full-time position are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions; paid time off; and tuition remission for eligible dependents. 

Mission Statement: Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning and builds a foundation of strong character, preparing students to navigate their path with purpose. 

Core Beliefs:

Childhood is championed: We center all we do on what is best for our students, protecting and building upon the magic of these precious years. 

Community is our core: Honest and respectful relationships, formed through conversation and collaboration, build trust and a sense of belonging – honoring the dignity of every person. 

Curiosity is a gift: Wonder is an animating force that resides in every person and should be modeled and nurtured to stimulate self-discovery, spark innovation, and drive creativity. 

We aim high: Raising expectations activates the great potential we see in every person and elicits efforts that result in individual growth and the collective success of our community. 

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks and embraces diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. LFCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks a Junior or Senior undergraduate student for a semester-long unpaid internship based out of our Innovation Space. The ideal candidate is an expert in their area of design (physical, digital, or otherwise!) and is comfortable with sharing their expertise across the LFCDS community.

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks a Junior or Senior undergraduate student for a semester-long unpaid internship based out of our Innovation Space. The ideal candidate is an expert in their area of design (physical, digital, or otherwise!) and is comfortable with sharing their expertise across the LFCDS community.

LFCDS is a Microsoft Showcase School with a 2,800 square foot Innovation Space where students have access to a multimedia center, Lego Robotics Lab, and an Innovation Space stocked with everything from woodworking tools to 3D Printers. Beyond classes pushing into the ‘iLab’ for Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking units, we pride ourselves on having a STEAM-related “open shop time” where students can utilize the space for any project both before and after school as well as during recess.

About the Position

The Designer in Residence will work with students across all age ranges on our campus in formal classroom settings and informal makerspace times. In addition, this candidate will partner with the Innovation Space Director to design a designated area in the Innovation Space to be a hub for the DIR’s content area of focus. The DIR will also be invited to consult with departments on campus that may benefit from their expertise.

We seek a candidate who has a high degree of expertise and is a strong communicator. The person will be enthusiastic, dedicated, and excited to share their knowledge with young students. You should work best in a collaborative environment where you can help bring ideas to life. The ideal candidate will have a programmatic vision that they can articulate.

Hours:

This unpaid internship is for 10-20 hours/week. The Intern will commit 10 to 15 hours per week on our campus. Ideally, the DIR will be prepared to pivot to a remote learning environment if needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work in partnership with the Innovation Space Director to create an original design curriculum built around the DIR’s specialty

• Co-teach classes and lead small groups of students through project-based learning
  Attend relevant department and grade-level meetings

• Provide consultation to departments that could benefit from the DIR’s expertise.

• Work within the Design Thinking model and LFCDS design scope and sequence and New Literacies goals

Qualifications and Skills:

• Expertise in a design area

• Past experience working with children preferred

• Flexibility and adaptability with a client-centered approach to work

• Comfort level with working and teaching through the lens of design thinking.

Mission Statement:

Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning a builds a foundation of strong character, preparing students to navigate their path with purpose.

Core Beliefs:

Childhood is Championed, Community is our Core, Curiosity is a Gift, We Aim High

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to greg.mcdonough@lfcds.org with the email heading “Design Internship”.

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks and embraces diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. LFCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks a Junior or Senior undergraduate student for a semester-long unpaid internship based out of our Technology Department. The ideal candidate is interested in a career in marketing or development.

LFCDS, located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational, independent day school serving 400 students from age 2 through eighth grade. The School has a long tradition of producing thoughtful, confident, and successful students. Children are known, loved, and challenged at LFCDS, and a state-of-the-art facility provides a remarkable setting for inspired teaching, academic rigor, and attention to individual needs.

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks a Junior or Senior undergraduate student for a semester-long unpaid internship based out of our Technology Department. The ideal candidate is interested in a career in marketing or development.

LFCDS is a Microsoft Showcase School with a 2,800-square-foot Innovation Space, where students have access to a multimedia center, a Lego Robotics Lab, and an Innovation Space stocked with everything from woodworking tools to 3D Printers. Beyond classes, we extend our offerings into the ‘iLab’ for Project-Based

Learning and Design Thinking units. We pride ourselves on having a STEAM-related ‘open shop time’where students can utilize the space for any project, both before and after school, as well as during recess.

About the Position

The Innovation Advancement Intern will work with faculty and students across all age ranges on our campus in informal prep times. Additionally, this candidate will partner with the Director of Technology and the Innovation Space Director to streamline communications, assist in planning and executing events, and support program development.

We seek a candidate who has a high degree of energy and is a strong communicator. The person will be enthusiastic, dedicated, and excited to share their knowledge with the LFCDS community. You should work best in a collaborative environment where you can help bring ideas to life. The ideal candidate will have a vision of an effective communications and/or development strategy that they can articulate.

Hours:

This unpaid internship is for 10-20 hours/week. The Intern will commit 10 to 15 hours per week on our campus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Director of Technology in creating a weekly, internal technology newsletter

• Work with the Innovation Space Director to research and write a grant proposal

• Sit on the planning committee for the annual Innovation Design Challenge and the annual LFCDS Mini-Conference

• Create marketing materials for the annual Innovation Design Challenge and LFCDS Mini-Conference

• Project manage the weekly LFCDS Morning Announcements by writing a script and working with students in preparation each week. 

Qualifications and Skills:

• Working towards a career in an advancement-related field

• A willingness to learn and work across multiple departments

• Flexibility and adaptability with a client-centered approach to work

Mission Statement:Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning and builds a foundation of strong character, preparing students to navigate their path with purpose.

Core Beliefs:

Childhood is Championed, Community is our Core, Curiosity is a Gift, We Aim High

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to greg.mcdonough@lfcds.org with the email heading "Innovation Advancement Internship”

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks and embraces diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. LFCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks a Junior or Senior undergraduate student for a semester-long “Non-Profit Data Integration Specialist” unpaid internship based out of our Informational Technology Office. The ideal candidate is an expert in data analysis with a strong ability to communicate information.

LFCDS, located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational, independent day school serving 400 students from age 2 through eighth grade. The School has a long tradition of producing thoughtful, confident, and successful students. Children are known, loved, and challenged at LFCDS, and a state-of-the-art facility provides a remarkable setting for inspired teaching, academic rigor, and attention to individual needs.

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks a Junior or Senior undergraduate student for a semester-long “Non-Profit Data Integration Specialist” unpaid internship based out of our Informational Technology Office. The ideal candidate is an expert in data analysis with a strong ability to communicate information.

LFCDS is a Microsoft Showcase School with a 2,800 square foot Innovation Space where students can access a multimedia center, Lego Robotics Lab, and an Innovation Space. The school has a dedicated, full-time Informational Technology Department that works closely together for system administration and educational technology integration.

About the Position

The Non-Profit Data Integration Specialist will help develop a data-centered approach to school improvement. The NPDIS will create systems to analyze existing data and improve our process for collecting and reviewing data information from various departments.

We seek a candidate who has a high degree of expertise and is a strong communicator. The person will be enthusiastic, dedicated, and excited to share their knowledge with colleagues. You should work best in a collaborative environment.

Hours: This unpaid internship is for 10-20 hours/week during the spring semester. The Intern will commit 10 to 15 hours per week on our campus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop data acquisition and analysis strategies for the Informational Technology Department and other departments

• Identify and evaluate tools to track, manage, and utilize student data

• Develop a best practices guide for survey and data gathering
  

Qualifications and Skills:

• Expertise in Computer Science and/or Data Science

• Flexibility and adaptability with a client-centered approach to work

• Comfort level with working across multiple teams and projects

Mission Statement:

Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning a builds a foundation of strong character, preparing students to navigate their path with purpose.

Core Beliefs:

Childhood is Championed, Community is our Core, Curiosity is a Gift, We Aim High

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to greg.mcdonough@lfcds.org with the email heading “Technology Internship”.

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks and embraces diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. LFCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.