OPT Pre-K Teacher Jobs
Pre-K Teacher roles can qualify for F-1 OPT when your degree is in early childhood education, child development, or a related field. Most positions are in public and private preschools, Head Start programs, and childcare centers. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this role, so your 12-month OPT window is what you're working with.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Founded in 2001, LEARN is a network of high-performing college preparatory, tuition-free public elementary and middle schools with the mission of providing children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. There are 11 LEARN Schools serving 4,100 students in grades PK-8 across Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
It is our goal to create an environment, on every campus, in which our staff members feel supported, respected, and appreciated. Our staff work together at each school and across the network to share ideas, problem solve, and innovate to move our schools and students beyond the expected. LEARN has been honored by having one of our school leaders recognized as the 2022 Principal of the Year by the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, in addition to LEARN 9 Waukegan earning a Exemplary school designation by the Illinois State Board of Education. LEARN also received a $7 million dollar gift from Mackenzie Scott in honor of our positive impact on education in Chicago.
LEARN's mission remains crystal clear: to provide children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. LEARN is currently looking for hard-working and passionate professionals that are dedicated to transforming public education.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Pre-K Teacher will be responsible for daily operation for his or her classroom. The Pre-K Teacher is required to provide high quality instruction to all students, every day. The classroom environment is supportive and community-based. The Pre-K Teacher is also required to cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with student’s families, staff, and other members of the community.
An ideal candidate is someone who has a proven record of success and is committed to maintaining high expectations for students. Through our implementation of a Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) at all of our campuses, LEARN embraces the idea that ALL scholars are capable of becoming expert learners. Teachers and administrators are constantly evaluating how to best support and celebrate our diversity to benefit all scholars’ academic and social-emotional needs and create learning environments that tear down barriers.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Effectively implementing instructional programs and strategic interventions that drive results
- Demonstrating effective classroom management skills that contribute to a positive learning environment
- Collaborating with peers and to grow professionally
- Understanding how to use data to improve instruction and student achievement
- Implementing instructional activities that follow curricular guidelines and frameworks
- Differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students with various academic and social needs
- Providing a positive learning environment that promotes thinking
- Collaborating with peers to enhance the instructional environment and meet school-wide goals
- Maintaining a professional working relationship with parents
- Performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Principal/Director
- Participating in professional development opportunities
THIS JOB IS A GREAT FIT IF:
- Have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education and you have an Illinois State Board of Education Teaching Certificate (PEL or ELS APE) and Birth - 3rd Grade Endorsement or a Gateway level 5.
- Have a demonstrated track record of delivering gains in student academic achievement
- Have a demonstrated record of living LEARN's Core Values
- Highly Qualified according to ISBE
PREFERRED
- You are bilingual
- Possess 1+ year of Teaching experience
BENEFITS SUMMARY
- We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full time employees, including:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Wellness Benefits: Online Mental Health Support, free on site COVID testing
- Paid vacation, personal days, paid holidays, including 5 days off every 23 days in a school year
- Short and long term disability
- Paid life insurance
- 403B Contribution + 4.5% matching as eligible
- Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund (CTPF) or Teacher Retirement System (TRS)
- On-going professional development opportunities:
- Mentor teachers and ongoing support for new teachers
- Coaches and coaching meetings for all teachers
- Weekly PDs
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Pre-K Teachers will be working in a busy and active environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the Pre-K Teacher will have to supervise all children at all times. Majority of work will be performed in a general classroom/school environment. May be asked to participate and attend organization sponsored events and meetings, such as field trips and network professional development.
Pre-K Teachers may be lifting and carrying children and equipment, and may spend time sitting on the floor or child sized furniture. Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment. Required the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Pre-K Teachers will also be expected to clean and maintain classroom equipment and furniture. Will frequently physically move moderate distances indoors and outdoors throughout the community or building with children including climbing stairs. Physical demands require to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, walk around the classroom and kneel upwards of 60% of the day. In addition, walking up and down stairs several times a day. Must be able to lift, push and pull 15 to 40 pounds for short periods of time.
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter School Network. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.
For applicants who apply after 11/1/21, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a valid medical or religious exemption required.
INTRODUCTION
Founded in 2001, LEARN is a network of high-performing college preparatory, tuition-free public elementary and middle schools with the mission of providing children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. There are 11 LEARN Schools serving 4,100 students in grades PK-8 across Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
It is our goal to create an environment, on every campus, in which our staff members feel supported, respected, and appreciated. Our staff work together at each school and across the network to share ideas, problem solve, and innovate to move our schools and students beyond the expected. LEARN has been honored by having one of our school leaders recognized as the 2022 Principal of the Year by the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, in addition to LEARN 9 Waukegan earning a Exemplary school designation by the Illinois State Board of Education. LEARN also received a $7 million dollar gift from Mackenzie Scott in honor of our positive impact on education in Chicago.
LEARN's mission remains crystal clear: to provide children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. LEARN is currently looking for hard-working and passionate professionals that are dedicated to transforming public education.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Pre-K Teacher will be responsible for daily operation for his or her classroom. The Pre-K Teacher is required to provide high quality instruction to all students, every day. The classroom environment is supportive and community-based. The Pre-K Teacher is also required to cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with student’s families, staff, and other members of the community.
An ideal candidate is someone who has a proven record of success and is committed to maintaining high expectations for students. Through our implementation of a Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) at all of our campuses, LEARN embraces the idea that ALL scholars are capable of becoming expert learners. Teachers and administrators are constantly evaluating how to best support and celebrate our diversity to benefit all scholars’ academic and social-emotional needs and create learning environments that tear down barriers.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Effectively implementing instructional programs and strategic interventions that drive results
- Demonstrating effective classroom management skills that contribute to a positive learning environment
- Collaborating with peers and to grow professionally
- Understanding how to use data to improve instruction and student achievement
- Implementing instructional activities that follow curricular guidelines and frameworks
- Differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students with various academic and social needs
- Providing a positive learning environment that promotes thinking
- Collaborating with peers to enhance the instructional environment and meet school-wide goals
- Maintaining a professional working relationship with parents
- Performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Principal/Director
- Participating in professional development opportunities
THIS JOB IS A GREAT FIT IF:
- Have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education and you have an Illinois State Board of Education Teaching Certificate (PEL or ELS APE) and Birth - 3rd Grade Endorsement or a Gateway level 5.
- Have a demonstrated track record of delivering gains in student academic achievement
- Have a demonstrated record of living LEARN's Core Values
- Highly Qualified according to ISBE
PREFERRED
- You are bilingual
- Possess 1+ year of Teaching experience
BENEFITS SUMMARY
- We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full time employees, including:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Wellness Benefits: Online Mental Health Support, free on site COVID testing
- Paid vacation, personal days, paid holidays, including 5 days off every 23 days in a school year
- Short and long term disability
- Paid life insurance
- 403B Contribution + 4.5% matching as eligible
- Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund (CTPF) or Teacher Retirement System (TRS)
- On-going professional development opportunities:
- Mentor teachers and ongoing support for new teachers
- Coaches and coaching meetings for all teachers
- Weekly PDs
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Pre-K Teachers will be working in a busy and active environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the Pre-K Teacher will have to supervise all children at all times. Majority of work will be performed in a general classroom/school environment. May be asked to participate and attend organization sponsored events and meetings, such as field trips and network professional development.
Pre-K Teachers may be lifting and carrying children and equipment, and may spend time sitting on the floor or child sized furniture. Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment. Required the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Pre-K Teachers will also be expected to clean and maintain classroom equipment and furniture. Will frequently physically move moderate distances indoors and outdoors throughout the community or building with children including climbing stairs. Physical demands require to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, walk around the classroom and kneel upwards of 60% of the day. In addition, walking up and down stairs several times a day. Must be able to lift, push and pull 15 to 40 pounds for short periods of time.
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter School Network. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.
For applicants who apply after 11/1/21, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a valid medical or religious exemption required.
See all 44+ OPT Pre-K Teacher Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Pre-K Teacher
Target Head Start and publicly funded programs first
Head Start programs and publicly funded preschools are more accustomed to hiring international educators. They often have HR departments familiar with work authorization requirements and are less likely to dismiss OPT candidates without consideration.
Lead with your state teaching credential or pending status
Many Pre-K roles require a state-issued teaching credential or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Confirm your eligibility before applying and mention your credential status upfront so employers know you meet licensing requirements independent of immigration status.
Apply early in your OPT window, not at the end
Pre-K hiring cycles often align with the academic year. Apply in spring for fall positions. Starting your search with several months of OPT remaining gives employers confidence you can complete a full school year without a gap.
Clarify that OPT requires no employer filing or cost
Many small preschools and childcare directors assume visa sponsorship means legal fees and paperwork. OPT authorization is already granted by USCIS. The employer simply verifies your EAD card during I-9 onboarding, with no additional cost or petition required.
Highlight bilingual skills as a direct classroom asset
If you speak Spanish, Mandarin, or another language common among the student population, lead with it. Bilingual Pre-K teachers are in high demand, and language ability often moves your application to the top of the review pile regardless of visa status.
Frame your student teaching hours as professional experience
Hiring directors value hands-on classroom time. Present your student teaching placements with specific details: age group, curriculum approach, and any assessments you conducted. This demonstrates readiness and helps overcome concerns about your unfamiliarity with U.S. school systems.
Pre-K Teacher OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Pre-K Teacher job qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization?
Yes, Pre-K Teacher positions qualify for F-1 OPT when your degree is directly related to the role, typically in early childhood education, child development, or elementary education. You must work in a capacity that uses your field of study. General childcare aide roles without a degree requirement may not meet OPT's direct relationship standard, so confirm the job title and responsibilities align with your academic program before accepting.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension as a Pre-K Teacher?
No. Early childhood education and child development are not STEM-designated fields under the DHS STEM OPT list, so Pre-K Teachers are not eligible for the 24-month STEM extension. You have a single 12-month OPT period. If you want to continue working in the U.S. after OPT expires, your employer would need to pursue H-1B visa sponsorship or another visa pathway on your behalf.
Do Pre-K employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas after OPT ends?
H-1B sponsorship is uncommon in early childhood education. Most preschools, childcare centers, and Head Start programs are small organizations without dedicated immigration legal support. Public school districts are a stronger option since many are larger institutions with HR infrastructure. Teaching roles can qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B, but you'll need an employer willing to engage an immigration attorney and cover filing costs. Start that conversation well before your OPT expires.
Where can I find Pre-K Teacher jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the recommended place to search. It filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsorship-eligible candidates, so you're not sifting through postings from employers who won't consider work authorization situations. Searching through general job boards often means discovering a company's OPT policy only after applying. Migrate Mate surfaces roles where employer willingness is already factored in, saving you significant time during a limited OPT window.
Do I need a teaching license to work as a Pre-K Teacher on OPT?
It depends on the state and type of program. Public school pre-kindergarten classrooms often require a state teaching license, while private preschools and childcare centers may accept a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an early childhood education degree alone. Some states have separate Pre-K endorsements. Check your specific state's licensing board requirements before applying, since working without a required credential could jeopardize both your employment and your OPT status.