Assistant Teacher

Family Focus; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 24,582 - 35,012; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$1,500 Sign-on Bonus

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Family Focus in Chicago is seeking a dedicated Assistant Teacher to empower families and their children through holistic educational support. You will contribute to classroom team efforts by implementing curriculum for preschool children and building positive relationships with families.

The successful candidate will have an AA in Child Development, possess Gateways IT Credential Level 4, and be passionate about fostering a secure learning environment. This full-time position offers an hourly pay of $21.63 and a $1,500 sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of an AA in Child Development from an accredited college.
• Must have Gateways IT Credential Level 4.
• Relates well with children and adults.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Develop positive relationships with children and parents.
• Assist lead teacher in preparation and implementation of lesson plans.
• Create an atmosphere in which children can learn, grow, and feel secure.
• Participate in child staffing and parent-teacher conferences.
• Observe, document and report changes in child’s health and behavior.

Skills

Relates well with children

Ability to work with culturally diverse populations

Education

Minimum of an AA in Child Development

Gateways IT Credential Level 4

Job description

About Family Focus

Welcome to Family Focus, where we’re on a mission to empower families and their children across Chicagoland! Through our comprehensive range of holistic family support services, including center-based and home-based services, emergency assistance, prevention initiatives, early childhood education, after-school programs, and more. At Family Focus, we believe in the power of community support to unlock the full potential of our neighborhoods. With 11 centers already making a difference, we’re excited to expand our reach and touch even more lives. That’s why we’re on the lookout for passionate individuals who share our vision to join our team as we grow and serve more families. Are you ready to make a difference? We want you to be a part of our journey!

Assistant Teacher Responsibilities

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for contributing in the classroom team in planning, organizing, and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool and/ or Head Start children. Assist in planning and implementing classroom activities that meet individual children’s needs and are based on IL standards and Head Start standards. Work with birth‑to‑5‑year‑old children in groups and individually. Demonstrate initiative in creating a positive team. All teachers serve as ambassadors for the school and the agency.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop positive relationships with children and parents.
• Assist lead teacher in preparation and implementation of lesson plans covering all developmental areas: language, cognitive, physical, personal, social/emotional, and creative. Explore new curriculum ideas and implement the Project Approach along with the Creative Curriculum.
• Create an atmosphere in which children can learn, grow, build self‑esteem, and feel secure. Adapt curriculum and provide leadership for planning and implementation of activities to meet each child’s individual needs. Work positively with the team to assess needs. Collaborate with the service review team in initiating referrals for special needs services.
• Participate in child staffing. Participate in parent‑teacher conferences, and other formal/informal conferences throughout the year as appropriate. Establish and maintain effective relationships with parents.
• Observe, document and report changes in child’s health, injuries, changes in physical appearance or social behaviors. Fill out accident and incident reports on the day of occurrence.
• Discuss and maintain records of child observation and evaluations through Teaching Strategies Gold, COPS, and Education Folders.
• Collaborate with lead teacher and director around ordering and purchasing supplies.
• With classroom team, be responsible for room arrangements and proper care of classroom equipment, maintaining a safe, neat, orderly, and clean environment that is age appropriate for children.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of an AA in Child Development from an accredited college or be enrolled in an AS program with 30 credits, of which at least 15 must be in Child Development/Early Childhood Education.
• Must have Gateways IT Credential Level 4.
• Relates well with children and adults.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse populations.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday (9:30 AM–6:00 PM).

Hourly range: $21.63/hr.

This is a full‑time non‑exempt position.

$1,500 Sign‑on Bonus Available!

Family Focus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Keywords: Early Childhood Education, Infant, Toddler, Child Development, Assistant.