Assistant Teacher

Children of America, Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Internal Career Growth

50% Employee Childcare Discount

Educational Assistance/Reimbursement

Teach Scholarship Partnerships

Employee Referral Bonus

Employee Recognition Programs

Medical, Dental & Vision

401(k)

Life, Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation & Holidays

Training Opportunities

Job summary

Children of America is seeking an Assistant Teacher to support early childhood education initiatives. You will work with lead teachers to implement lesson plans and create a safe, nurturing classroom where children can thrive.

The role emphasizes development across social, emotional, physical, and cognitive areas, with opportunities for career growth within the organization and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Passion for working with children and a caring demeanor.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementing daily lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Create a safe, nurturing, structured learning environment.
• Engage children in age-appropriate learning, play, and developmental activities.
• Support children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Build positive relationships with children and families.
• Communicate professionally with parents, children, and team members.
• Document children's development and progress.

Skills

Caring

Dependable

Enthusiastic

Communication

Team player

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Assistant Teacher – Early Childhood Education

$16.00–$19.00/hour | Career Growth | 50% Employee Childcare Discount | Benefits

Ready to make a difference in a child's day?

Children of America (COA) is looking for a caring, dependable, and enthusiastic Assistant Teacher to join our early childhood education team. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves working with children and wants to build a rewarding career in early childhood education.

As an Assistant Teacher, you'll work alongside experienced educators to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Whether you're beginning your career in childcare or looking for an opportunity to grow your experience, COA provides training, support, and opportunities for career advancement.

What You'll Do

• Assist with implementing daily lesson plans and engaging classroom activities
• Create a safe, nurturing, structured, and positive learning environment
• Engage children in age-appropriate learning, play, and developmental activities
• Support children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
• Build positive and trusting relationships with children and families
• Communicate professionally with parents, children, and team members
• Assist with documenting children's development and progress
• Utilize technology to maintain classroom documentation and child progress reports
• Establish and maintain age-appropriate classroom expectations and routines
• Support classroom cleanliness, organization, and safety
• Work closely with Lead Teachers and school leadership
• Provide individualized support based on children's developmental needs
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities
• Bring creativity, energy, patience, and enthusiasm to the classroom each day
• Demonstrate a willingness to grow into a Lead Teacher role

This Is a Great Opportunity If You...

• Love working with children and helping them learn and grow
• Are patient, dependable, caring, and enthusiastic
• Enjoy being part of a team and supporting your coworkers
• Want to build a career in early childhood education
• Are comfortable working in a busy, active classroom environment
• Communicate well with children, families, and team members
• Are organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities
• Are eager to learn and develop professionally
• Want a company where you can grow your career from within

What You'll Need

• High School Diploma or GED
• A genuine passion for working with children
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing classroom needs
• Commitment to professional growth and development
• Previous experience working with children is a plus

Grow Your Career With COA

At Children of America, we believe in developing our people and providing opportunities to grow.

The Assistant Teacher role is an excellent way to gain valuable experience in early childhood education, child development, classroom management, family communication, and teaching while building the skills needed to advance your career.

Many of our team members grow from Assistant Teacher to Lead Teacher and into future leadership opportunities.

What We Offer

• Internal Career Advancement Opportunities
• 50% Employee Childcare Discount
• Educational Assistance/Reimbursement
• T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Partnerships
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401(k)
• Life, Accident & Disability Insurance
• Paid Vacation & Paid Holidays
• Professional Development & Training Opportunities

About Children of America

At COA, we believe great schools start with great people.

Our programs serve children from 6 weeks through 12 years, including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp.

We’re a team that values accountability, collaboration, growth, integrity, and consistency. We want our employees to bring their ideas, strengths, and personality to work while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

If you're passionate about working with children and ready to build your career in early childhood education, we'd love to hear from you.

Compensation

$16.00–$19.00 per hour

Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. This role may also be eligible for performance-based incentives or other benefits.

Children of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.