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Child Care Teacher - Illinois Medical District

Bright Horizons · Chicago, IL · $20.75–$25.35 an hour · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a hands-on activity you led with toddlers. How did you keep it safe and still let them explore?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance exploration with close supervision for children who put everything in their mouths.

Tell me about a parent who was anxious about leaving their child. How did you help them?

What they are checking: Whether they build trust with families during hard transitions like drop-off and separation.

What's your education background, and how close are you to meeting Illinois teacher-qualified requirements?

What they are checking: Whether they meet the state credit requirements now or have a clear plan using the education support offered.

What would you do

Two toddlers are fighting over the same toy and one starts biting. What do you do in the moment?

What they are checking: Whether they respond calmly, keep everyone safe and use the moment to teach rather than punish.

Many families here work in hospitals with long or changing shifts. How would you keep them connected to their child's day?

What they are checking: Whether they think about the families they would actually serve and adjust communication to fit busy parents.

A toddler has a meltdown during transition to nap. Walk me through how you'd help them settle.

What they are checking: Whether they use co-regulation and predictable routines instead of rushing or ignoring the child.

About the work

This opening is with toddlers. What do toddlers need from a teacher that infants and preschoolers don't?

What they are checking: Whether they understand toddler development, like budding independence and big feelings, and plan around it.

How do you handle diapering, toilet learning and handwashing so the room stays clean and children stay healthy?

What they are checking: Whether they know sanitation routines that prevent illness spreading through a toddler room.

What does developmentally appropriate practice look like in a toddler room?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain DAP in concrete terms like choices, routines and play rather than reciting a definition.

How do you note and share a toddler's milestones, like new words or first steps, with families?

What they are checking: Whether they observe children closely and document growth in a way parents value.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Bright Horizons from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Bright Horizons.

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children’s lives every day. Learn from early education experts while having the opportunity to pursue a CDA or college degree at no cost. Experience this and more as a Bright Horizons Teacher . Full-time positions are available with toddlers. Responsibilities: • Create hands-on activities to meet the needs and interests of the children • Maintain open communication with parents, sharing their child's daily milestones • Ensure a safe and clean classroom by following essential procedures and guidelines Qualifications: Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements: • 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required • College-level coursework in early childhood education, CDA, or an associate or bachelor’s degree in early education or related field is preferred • 1 year of professional experience teaching in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred • Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) for children is required • Must meet state requirements to be Teacher Qualified in the State of IL: • 1) 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester hours or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or development from birth to age 6 OR • 2) 1 year (1560 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten or licensed day care center AND 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with 6 semester or 9 quarter hours in courses related directly to childcare and/or child development from birth to age 6 OR • 3) Completion of credential programs approved by the Department in accordance with Appendix G, otherwise known as CDA. Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We’re changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you’re the difference. Physical Requirements: This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery and services per Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee. • Frequently lift, carry, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, or hold weight more than 40 pounds • Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities • Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies • Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions . Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodation for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations. This position requires in-person work in the Chicago, IL area. Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is between $20.75 - $25.35 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors. Benefits: Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: • Medical, dental, and vision insurance • Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave • 401(k) retirement plan • Long-term and short-term disability insurance • Life insurance • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program • Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family • Employee Referral Bonus Program • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness Compensation: $20.75 - $25.35 / hr Life at Bright Horizons: At Bright Horizons, you’re more than your job title — you’re the difference . Whether you’re nurturing a child’s first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We’re a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future — for yourself and for others. Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights , Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA ). If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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