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1st STEP Lead Teacher
LFCDS, located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational independent day school serving 413 students from age two 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.
1st STEP Lead Teacher (Early Childhood Program, Ages 2–3)
Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced 1st STEP Lead Teacher to guide our youngest learners, ages 2–3, in a nurturing, developmentally responsive environment.
Position Overview
The 1st STEP program provides a thoughtful bridge between early physical and emotional development and the emerging
cognitive phase of learning for two- and young three-year-old children. Through music, movement, exploration, and purposeful play, children develop social, language, and pre-academic skills in a structured yet joyful setting.
This is a 3-day program position with additional teaching responsibilities to support a full-time schedule from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Program Philosophy
The 1st STEP program emphasizes:
The 1st STEP 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
Key Responsibilities
• Lead a classroom serving children ages 2–3, fostering a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment
• Support children’s growth across social/emotional, cognitive, physical, and language domains
• Design and implement curriculum grounded in play-based, experiential learning
• Promote the development of self-confidence, independence, and respectful interactions
• Model appropriate behavior and guide children using clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and gentle redirection
• Collaborate closely with colleagues to support a cohesive early childhood program
• Communicate regularly with families through both formal conferences and ongoing updates
Professional and Personal Qualifications
• DCFS credentialing required for teaching in a 2–3-year-old program (or willingness to obtain)
• Completion of Gateway to Opportunity trainings (or willingness to obtain)
• Demonstrated experience working with toddlers (ages 2–3) 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 fulltime position includes a full complement of benefits including health, vision, and dental plans; 403b with employer
match, and generous tuition remission for dependents. Annual compensation ranges from $55,000 - $85,000 and is based on
years of teaching experience and level of education.
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.
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.
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.
A co-educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8.
Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.
Schedule a tour!
Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.
Schedule a tour!
