Benefits:

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