Type 04 (Early Childhood) PEL Teacher

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.

EOE

Responsibilities Of EC-PEL Teacher

• 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.
• Actively 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.
  
  

PEL Requirement

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

Salary Range

• $28–$32 per hour
  
  

Benefits

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

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