Part-Time Assistant Teacher - 2s Classroom

Location: Bennett Day School (Chicago, IL)

Position Type: Part‑Time (Mon–Fri, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

Additional Hours: Opportunities for full‑day hours during “Day‑Off Camps” when regular school is not in session.

About the Role

Bennett Day School is seeking a warm, enthusiastic, and dedicated Assistant Teacher to join our Early Childhood team in the 2‑Year‑Old (2s) Classroom. In our Reggio Emilia‑inspired, project‑based environment, assistant teachers play a vital role in nurturing toddlers' curiosity, supporting social‑emotional growth, and helping build a safe, joyful classroom community.

Schedule

• Standard Schedule: Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (afternoon dismissal and extended care support).
• Bonus Hours Opportunity: Potential for full‑day shifts on designated “Day‑Off Camp” days when regular school is closed but coverage/camp care is provided.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Lead Teacher to support daily routines, active project exploration, sensory play, and neighborhood walks.
• Assist with classroom transitions, snack/mealtime setup, self‑care routines (including diapering/toilet learning support), and dismissal.
• Provide active, attentive supervision to ensure child safety and support positive peer interactions in a group setting.
• Help maintain an organized, inviting, and clean learning environment aligned with early childhood safety standards.
• Assist in aftercare programming with 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds.

Requirements

• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED (college coursework or credentials in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Gateways membership preferred).
• Successful completion of all DCFS‑mandated background checks, including FBI/State fingerprinting, Central Register (CANTS), and Sex Offender registry checks prior to unsupervised work.
• Proof of a current physical exam, negative TB test, and required immunizations as mandated by Illinois DCFS.
• Hold or complete required DCFS life‑safety certifications upon hire, including:
  • Mandated Reporter Certification
  • Pediatric CPR and First Aid
  • SIDS / Safe Sleep training
  • Abusive Head Trauma training
  • 15 annual hours of in‑service early childhood professional development / Gateways registration

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with toddlers/2‑year‑olds in a licensed daycare, preschool, or group setting.
• Deep patience, empathy, and strong communication skills with young children, colleagues, and parents.
• Experience or interest in progressive, Reggio Emilia, or project‑based early childhood education models.

Pay

$19/hr