Teacher Aide (3 to 5)

About the Role

The Teacher Aide assists the classroom teaching team in developing a classroom atmosphere where children can grow and develop in a safe and positive learning space. Candidates must have a passion for creating a nurturing environment that supports quality education through the Reggio-Inspired approach, where children, families, and teachers collaborate to foster critical thinking and creativity. The role serves at-risk communities in Chicago, including West Humboldt Park, Pilsen, Bronzeville, and New City/Back of the Yards.

Responsibilities

• Assists the teaching team in planning, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities for young children, including:
  • Self-Image
  • Language/Literacy Development
  • Music and Movement
  • Social Studies
  • Science
  • Math
  • Art
  • Large/Small Motor Activities
  • In-Depth Projects
• Assists with classroom coverage during lunchtime and when backup coverage is needed.
• Helps create a welcoming classroom environment for children and their families.
• Supervises and interacts with children during all activities.
• Develops strong partnerships with families.
• Shares responsibility for preparation and cleanup of classroom activities.
• Attends and participates in parent meetings, in-service trainings, and weekly team meetings.
• Assists with implementing the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, focusing on in-depth studies and classroom explorations.
• Maintains reports on children’s growth and development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or 60 semester hours of credits from an accredited college or university with 6 semester hours in child care and/or child development (birth to age 6) or 1 year (1,560 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center plus 30 semester hours of credits from an accredited college or university with 6 semester hours in child care and/or child development (birth to age 6).
• Proficiency in reading and writing English.
• Ability to operate a word-processing system to read, produce, and transmit data.
• Successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening.
• Successfully complete all required DCFS criminal background checks.
• Provide proof of required education or credentials.
• Verify previous employment and work history.

Applicants may review information regarding disqualifying criminal offenses under DCFS Disqualifying Convictions: Section 385 Appx. A.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Frequently stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Benefits

• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability (STD), and long-term disability (LTD) insurance.
• 403(b) Retirement & Savings plan.
• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Family support through the Family Hub Division.
• Break-out lunch spaces focused on wellness and health.
• Pet benefits.
• Credit union membership.
• Individualized professional development support.

Schedule

7.5-hour workday.