Early Childhood Education Jobs in Illinois
Early Childhood Education jobs in Illinois are consistently in demand, concentrated in public school districts, Head Start programs, licensed childcare centers, and nonprofit community organizations, with openings at every level from classroom assistant to lead teacher and program director. The largest hiring hubs are Chicago, Rockford, and Springfield, where anchor employers such as Chicago Public Schools, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, and Bright Horizons Family Solutions maintain ongoing hiring. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois include infant-toddler development, special needs inclusion, and bilingual early childhood instruction. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 22+ Early Childhood Education jobs
Infant Assistant Teacher – Early Childhood Education
Love Children? Looking for a Career That Makes a Difference Every Day?
Children's Learning Place is searching for caring, energetic, and enthusiastic Assistant Teachers to join our growing team! If you have a passion for helping young children learn, grow, and succeed, this is your opportunity to be part of a fun, supportive, and rewarding early childhood environment.
At Children's Learning Place, we believe every child deserves a nurturing and engaging start in life. As an Assistant Teacher, you'll play a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for children while working alongside dedicated educators who are committed to excellence in early childhood education.
Why You'll Love Working Here:
- Positive, family-oriented workplace culture
- Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
- Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment
- Meaningful work that impacts children's lives every day
- A place where your creativity, compassion, and ideas are valued
What You'll Do:
- Assist Lead Teachers in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.
- Support children in daily routines, learning activities, and classroom experiences.
- Encourage children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through play and exploration.
- Help prepare classroom materials and learning centers.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and fellow team members.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
- Supervise children and ensure their safety and well-being at all times.
- Celebrate milestones, encourage curiosity, and make learning fun every day!
We're Looking For Someone Who:
✔ Loves working with children and helping them learn and grow
✔ Brings positive energy, patience, and enthusiasm to the classroom
✔ Is dependable, flexible, and a strong team player
✔ Enjoys learning and growing professionally
✔ Communicates effectively with children, families, and coworkers
✔ Has a caring heart and a passion for early childhood education
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Early Childhood Education coursework, CDA, or related experience preferred
- Experience working with young children is a plus, but a positive attitude and willingness to learn are equally important
- Ability to meet state licensing requirements
- CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
- Hours are approximately 30-35 hours a week-11 to 6 or 12 to 6
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Pay: $17.05 - $18.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- ECE: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- English (Required)
Work Location: In person
Infant Assistant Teacher – Early Childhood Education
Love Children? Looking for a Career That Makes a Difference Every Day?
Children's Learning Place is searching for caring, energetic, and enthusiastic Assistant Teachers to join our growing team! If you have a passion for helping young children learn, grow, and succeed, this is your opportunity to be part of a fun, supportive, and rewarding early childhood environment.
At Children's Learning Place, we believe every child deserves a nurturing and engaging start in life. As an Assistant Teacher, you'll play a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for children while working alongside dedicated educators who are committed to excellence in early childhood education.
Why You'll Love Working Here:
- Positive, family-oriented workplace culture
- Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
- Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment
- Meaningful work that impacts children's lives every day
- A place where your creativity, compassion, and ideas are valued
What You'll Do:
- Assist Lead Teachers in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.
- Support children in daily routines, learning activities, and classroom experiences.
- Encourage children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through play and exploration.
- Help prepare classroom materials and learning centers.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and fellow team members.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
- Supervise children and ensure their safety and well-being at all times.
- Celebrate milestones, encourage curiosity, and make learning fun every day!
We're Looking For Someone Who:
✔ Loves working with children and helping them learn and grow
✔ Brings positive energy, patience, and enthusiasm to the classroom
✔ Is dependable, flexible, and a strong team player
✔ Enjoys learning and growing professionally
✔ Communicates effectively with children, families, and coworkers
✔ Has a caring heart and a passion for early childhood education
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Early Childhood Education coursework, CDA, or related experience preferred
- Experience working with young children is a plus, but a positive attitude and willingness to learn are equally important
- Ability to meet state licensing requirements
- CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
- Hours are approximately 30-35 hours a week-11 to 6 or 12 to 6
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Pay: $17.05 - $18.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- ECE: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- English (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 22 Early Childhood Education Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEarly Childhood Education Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Early Childhood Education Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in early childhood education jobs across Illinois.
- Illinois Educator Licensure through ISBE with an Early Childhood Education endorsement
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field
- Experience working directly with children ages birth through grade three
- Knowledge of Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and developmentally appropriate practice
- Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required by most Illinois providers
- Ability to pass Illinois state background check and child abuse registry clearance
Early Childhood Education Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a early childhood education in Illinois?
To work as an early childhood educator in Illinois, you need an Illinois Professional Educator License issued by the Illinois State Board of Education with an Early Childhood Education endorsement, which covers birth through grade three. Candidates must complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System exams, including the Early Childhood Education content area test. Associate-level roles at childcare centers may accept a Child Development Associate credential as a starting point while pursuing full licensure.
Which companies hire early childhood educations in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring early childhood educations in Illinois include SAL Community Services, Brightpoint, and Kiddie Academy, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's mix of large urban school districts, federally funded Head Start grantees, and national childcare chains creates consistent year-round openings across the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most early childhood education jobs?
Chicago, Moline, and Rock Island have the most early childhood education openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the bulk of demand through its large public school system, extensive Head Start network, and concentration of nonprofit childcare providers, while Rockford and Springfield generate steady openings through their own school districts, community action agencies, and regional childcare centers that serve surrounding suburban and rural communities.
Are there remote early childhood education jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Early childhood education is fundamentally a hands-on, in-person role, so the majority of positions require daily on-site presence with children. About 0% of early childhood education openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be administrative, curriculum development, or coaching and training roles rather than direct classroom positions.
How can I get hired as a early childhood education in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a classroom assistant or teacher aide role, which Illinois school districts and licensed childcare centers regularly hire without prior professional experience. Chicago Public Schools and large nonprofit providers affiliated with the Illinois Action for Children network often recruit entry-level staff and provide on-the-job pathways toward full licensure. Earning a Child Development Associate credential through an Illinois community college strengthens your application and demonstrates commitment to hiring managers before you complete a full degree program.
Where can I find and apply to early childhood education jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to early childhood education jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that match your experience and credentials.
See All 22 Early Childhood Education Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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