Assistant Teachers

The Gardner School; Oakbrook Terrace (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gardner School is seeking an Assistant Teacher for our state-of-the-art facility in Illinois. You will join a caring, dynamic team of professionals dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education for ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

As part of our classroom staff, you will assist the Lead Teacher with curriculum, engage with children, and support a positive, safe learning environment. We value reliability, ongoing training, and strong communication with families.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher with age-appropriate curriculum and activities
• Engage with children during play, learning activities, and transitions
• Provide nurturing guidance for emotional and behavioral development
• Adapt activities based on observation of child interests and needs
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment
• Follow health and safety guidelines and supervise children at all times
• Communicate with parents and families as directed by Lead Teacher
• Collaborate with teaching team to ensure consistency across classrooms
• Uphold professional, team-oriented behavior and adhere to policies

Skills

Communication

Early childhood development

Time management

Multitasking

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PC proficiency

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 have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Teacher to work in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School, you will be part of a caring, fun, dynamic group of professional teachers that thrive on providing exceptional educational experiences. You will work in an environment that values your contributions and provides you with the resources you need to apply high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs. Your experience and expertise are highly valued, your contributions are recognized, and your professional goals are supported. If you have a desire and passion to make a difference in the lives of children and parents, The Gardner School is the place for you.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Support & Instruction

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing age-appropriate curriculum and activities that align with each child's developmental needs.
• Actively engage with children during play, learning activities, and transitions.
• Offer nurturing guidance that supports each child's emotional and behavioral development.
• Help adapt activities based on observation of individual child interests and needs.

Environment & Daily Operations

• Ensure a clean, organized, and safe classroom by supporting daily routines, hygiene, and sanitation procedures.
• Follow health and safety guidelines, including diapering, feeding, and supervising children at all times.
• Help manage classroom materials and contribute to a calm, positive environment.

Family & Team Collaboration

• Maintain respectful, supportive relationships with parents and families.
• Participate in ongoing communication and classroom updates as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Collaborate with teaching team members and school leaders to ensure consistency and support across classrooms.
• Uphold a professional, team-oriented mindset at all times.

Compliance & Professionalism

• Adhere to all state licensing regulations and The Gardner School's policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding child and school information.
• Demonstrate consistent, reliable attendance and a commitment to ongoing training and development.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship (required).
• Ability to reliably community to school's location.
• 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.
• Meet all applicable state licensing requirements for education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
• Passion for early childhood education and a nurturing, joyful approach to care.
• Interest in growing within a supportive, mission-driven preschool environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with children, peers, and families.
• Basic understanding of early childhood development principles.
• Strong time management and multitasking abilities.
• Positive attitude and problem-solving mindset.
• Intermediate PC or administrative skills.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lifts or moves weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children and infants of 10 to 60 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, and move freely throughout the classroom.
• Ability to operate a computer, phone, and classroom/office equipment.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Gardner School is an academically focused preschool for ages 6 Weeks to 5 Years. We have created a rich learning environment that stimulates our students’ physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We provide extensive training, orientation, and continuing education programs. We have locations in 8 states and are growing. We strongly believe in a strong internal path to promotions, rewarding our amazing teachers with opportunities to gain experience within our privately-owned company.Above all, we choose faculty members who love the early childhood profession and have a strong, positive curiosity about life that sparks confidence and joy in those around.

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.