2

Full Time Early Childhood Education Jobs in Chicago, IL

Early Childhood Teacher

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Previous experience in early childhood education, childcare, or a related field. * Knowledge of child development principles and developmentally appropriate practices. * Passion for supporting the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Full Time Early Childhood Education information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$50.6K

$59.2K

How much do full time early childhood education jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time early childhood education in Chicago, IL is $50,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $54,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Early Childhood Educator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Early Childhood Educator, you need a solid background in child development, early childhood education, and often a relevant degree or certification such as a CDA or state teaching license. Familiarity with curriculum planning software, learning management systems, and classroom management tools is typically required. Strong communication, patience, creativity, and the ability to build positive relationships with children and families are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure a supportive, engaging, and safe learning environment that fosters young children's growth and development.

What are some common challenges faced by full-time early childhood educators, and how can they be addressed?

Full-time early childhood educators often encounter challenges such as managing diverse classroom behaviors, balancing administrative tasks with teaching, and meeting the varying developmental needs of young children. Building strong classroom routines, engaging in ongoing professional development, and collaborating with colleagues can help address these challenges. Additionally, maintaining open communication with families and utilizing available support resources within the school or center can create a more supportive environment for both teachers and students.

What is a full time early childhood education job?

A full time early childhood education job involves working with young children, typically from birth to age eight, in settings such as preschools, daycare centers, or elementary schools. Professionals in this field focus on supporting children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through age-appropriate teaching methods and activities. Full time roles generally require a consistent work schedule, often around 35-40 hours per week, and may include responsibilities like lesson planning, classroom management, and communicating with families. Depending on the position and location, a relevant degree or certification may be required.

What career paths are available in ECE?

Early Childhood Education (ECE) offers career paths such as preschool teacher, childcare center director, early intervention specialist, and curriculum coordinator. Professionals in ECE often pursue certifications or degrees in early childhood education and may advance to administrative roles or specialized positions like special education coordinator.

What is the difference between Full Time Early Childhood Education vs Full Time Preschool Teacher?

AspectFull Time Early Childhood EducationFull Time Preschool Teacher
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in early childhood education or related certificationRequires a degree or certification in early childhood education or preschool teaching
Work EnvironmentPreschools, daycare centers, early learning programsPreschools, private or public early childhood settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across early childhood education settingsSpecifically refers to teaching young children in preschool settings
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for roles involving early childhood developmentOften compared when seeking preschool teaching positions

Full Time Early Childhood Education is a broad term covering various roles in early learning, while Full Time Preschool Teacher specifically refers to educators working with preschool-aged children. Both require similar credentials and work in related environments, but the latter emphasizes the teaching role within preschool settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Early Childhood Education jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Early Childhood Education jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Early Childhood Education jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Early Childhood Education jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Full Time Early Childhood Education job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,605 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Teacher (Early Childhood 0-3)

Teacher (Early Childhood 0-3)

Children's Home & Aid

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.
The Early Childhood Teacher is a critical member of the Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child & Family Center team, using Head Start, Early Head Start, and Creative Curriculum® to enhance the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of children through play and hands-on experiences. As an Early Childhood Teacher, you will develop individualized lesson plans and meet with parents to support the best outcomes for your students. As an Early Childhood Education Center with NAEYC accreditation and ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation, you'll be proud to be part of the Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child & Family Center team, and with our cohesive team style and supportive, high quality supervision, you'll look forward to coming back each day.
Candidate qualifications:
For Teacher 0-3 year olds:
  • Associate's Degree in Child Development or a closely related field with 18+ hours of ECE credits required OR Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and enrollment in a college program in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or closely related field with at least 30 credit hours completed, including 12 hours in Early Childhood Education.
  • Ability to obtain an Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 4 credential within 12 months of employment required.
  • Ability to obtain an Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Level 4 credential within 12 months of employment required.
  • A minimum of 1 year experience working with children and/or families required.
  • Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

(Candidates without the required degree/credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan).
Job details:
  • Compensation: Salary range is between $50k-$55k; offers are commensurate with experience and bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation. The salary range provided represents our current estimate for this role at the time of posting and is subject to change. The final salary will be determined based on a range of factors, including but not limited to, a candidate's relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs. We are dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to fostering a diverse workforce while providing equal opportunities for all candidates.
  • Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, three scheduled weeks of paid time off each year (Spring, Summer, Winter), and additional flexible paid leave that accrues based on tenure; 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match, (more benefit details here).
  • Location: Classroom setting Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child & Family Center.
  • Schedule: Full-time, salaried; center is open Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm; assigned shifts will vary.
  • Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.