Type 04 (Early Childhood) PEL Teacher

About the role

Qualified to lead a classroom team and serve as the primary educator in year-round Preschool for All (PFA) funded classrooms. PEL with ECE endorsement required. This position is related to our afterschool program so candidate will also be assigned 1/2 time school related office duties to fill out full-time schedule.

Responsibilities

• Ensure child well-being through language-rich interactions, individualized routines, and thoughtfully conducted assessments—respecting performance standards established by SEAC, DCFS, IDHS, ISBE, and other funding partners.
• Conduct developmental screenings in accordance with program requirements.
• Deliver a research-based early learning curriculum aligned with Illinois state standards and SEAC’s Bridge-building and cross-cultural teaching philosophy.
• Administer quarterly child assessments using Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Facilitate family conferences at least twice annually.
• Engage families through school events, meetings, and in coordinating smooth kindergarten transitions.
• Maintain detailed educational records and documentation for each child, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Facilitate regular classroom team meetings to align strategy and student needs.
• Attend all-staff meetings to coordinate and collaborate with the broader program community.
• Participate in Reflective Supervision, a structured, trusting, and collaborative process that promotes professional growth through dialogue and reflective supervision.
• Report directly to the Director of the Child Care Program.

Requirements

• A valid Illinois Professional Educator License with an Early Childhood Education endorsement is required.
• A Level 5 Gateway Credential is preferred.
• An Illinois Director Credential is a plus.

Pay

Salary Range $28–$32 per hour.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage (employer covers approximately 65%)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Retailment plan
• Opportunities for continuous professional development
• A cross-cultural, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
• Tuition reimbursements

Bridge International School at South-East Asia Center

Bridge International School at South-East Asia Center has been serving the Uptown, Chicago neighborhood for over 40 years. Our organization has a diverse student and staff population, with over 25 languages spoken, providing childcare services to families with children ranging from 6 weeks old to school age (up to 12 years old). We are a private, non-profit organization, DCFS licensed, and a DFSS grantee, with cutting-edge, bridge-building, cross-cultural approaches to teaching and learning that align with DFSS’s Creative Curriculum and Early Learning Frameworks. Learn more at SouthEastAsiaCenter.org.