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: 

• 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 

Compensation and Benefits 

This full-time 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. 

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  

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 

About Lake Forest Country Day School

LFCDS, founded in 1888 and located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational, independent day school serving 420 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, personal growth and nurturing a love of learning.

Connections working at Lake Forest Country Day School