Assistant Teacher

The Gardner School; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Childcare tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development

CDA program access

Job summary

The Gardner School Naperville South is hiring an Assistant Teacher to support Lead Teacher in delivering age-appropriate curriculum. You will help create a loving, engaging classroom environment while adhering to safety and daily routines.

This role offers opportunity for growth within a mission-driven preschool, with ongoing professional development, a CDA pathway, and a strong benefits program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; CDA or Associate's degree preferred with ECE coursework.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• 1+ year experience with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
• Ability to read, write, speak English fluently for effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher with age-appropriate curriculum and activities.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom.
• Support daily routines, hygiene, and sanitation procedures.
• Collaborate with teaching team and school leaders to ensure consistency.
• Foster a nurturing, joyful approach to care and development.

Skills

Patience with children

Active engagement

English fluency

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

CDA or A.S. in Early Childhood Education

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.We're Hiring! Join our team as an Assistant Teacher at The Gardner School of Naperville South!We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Naperville South, we believe learning begins with love — for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.What You’ll Do:Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing age-appropriate curriculum and activities that align with each child’s developmental needs.Offer nurturing guidance that supports each child’s emotional and behavioral development.Model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a DifferenceMaintain respectful, supportive relationships with parents and families.Ensure a clean, organized, and safe classroom by supporting daily routines, hygiene, and sanitation procedures.Collaborate with teaching team members and school leaders to ensure consistency and support across classrooms.Uphold a professional, team-oriented mindset at all times.What We Offer:Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $16.55-$20.50 per hour, based on education and experienceComprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunitiesCareer Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, access to our company-sponsored CDA program, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.Qualifications:Education/Certification:High school diploma (required).CDA or Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field), with at least 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education (preferred).Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)Experience:1+ years of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements:Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required)Regular and reliable attendance.Passion for early childhood education and a nurturing, joyful approach to care.Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required)Active engagement throughout the day including standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to ~60 lbs.Ability to fulfill cognitive and interpersonal aspects of a classroom leadership including speaking, hearing, reading, writing, focusing attention, and building relationships.Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.Interest in growing within a supportive, mission-driven preschool environment.Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.