Child Development, Childcare, Communication Skills, Conferences, Dental Insurance, Early Childhood Education, English Language, German Language, Health Insurance, Literacy, Multilingual, Nonprofit, Nursery School and Preschool, Organizational Skills, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum, Vision Plan
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Benefits/Perks
- Competitive Compensations
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Great Work Environment
Job Summary:
The German International School Chicago (GISC) is seeking a qualified Early Childhood Educator to join one of our preschool groups. GISC is a nonprofit, bilingual private school offering a rich international learning environment. Our preschool program consists of two to three groups, each with a maximum of 16 children from age 3-5 years old and two educators per group. We are an immersion-based program with German as the primary language of instruction.
Responsibilities
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences that support children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and language development within a German immersion environment
- Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment, using positive guidance strategies to support children’s behavior and independence
- Observe, document, and assess children’s development, and communicate regularly with families about children’s progress and learning experiences
- Participating in team meetings and professional workshops
- Conducting parent-teacher conferences
- Contributing to school-wide events and activities
- Collaborating with colleagues on curriculum planning and development
Qualifications & Requirements (Illinois – DCFS Aligned)
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field preferred
Alternatively: A German state-recognized qualification (staatliche Anerkennung als Erzieher/in) or a degree in Childhood Education (Kindheitspädagogik, B.A.), - Experience working with children ages 3–6 in a licensed preschool, daycare, or early childhood setting
- Fluency in German is required (near-native proficiency expected), as German is the primary language of instruction in the classroom; native German speakers are strongly preferred
- Strong German and English communication skills required for effective collaboration with families and colleagues
- Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), including play-based and inquiry-based learning
- Experience supporting early language development and emergent literacy; experience in bilingual or immersion settings is a plus
- Ability to plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum aligned with children’s developmental needs, including differentiated instruction
- Demonstrated skills in classroom management, with a focus on positive guidance and social-emotional development
- Experience working collaboratively in a teaching team and maintaining professional, responsive communication with families
- Strong organizational skills, reliability, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- High level of cultural competence and ability to work effectively in an international school environment
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German International School Chicago