Child Care Associate (0-10 hours/week)

newmomsinc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

15 paid holidays

Early Friday close in Summer

403b retirement plan

Pre-tax transportation benefits

Professional development support

Discounts on Bright Endeavors products

Free spiritual direction services

Job summary

New Moms in Chicago, IL is seeking a part-time Child Care Associate to plan and lead activities for children aged 0-5 across the Austin and Oak Park locations. You’ll work with volunteers and staff to create a safe, welcoming environment for families, with a flexible schedule including evenings.

Hours are 0-10 per week, including at least one evening per week and Tuesday/Wednesday afternoons. Must have access to reliable transportation and a compassionate, patient approach.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with children ages 0-5 preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and a safe, structured environment during parent programming.
• Implement age-appropriate activities for ages 0-5.
• Engage children in play, learning, and social development.
• Partner with volunteers to ensure high-quality childcare experiences.
• Support parent-child interactions when appropriate.
• Respond calmly to crises and collaborate with staff for safety.
• Communicate effectively with team members and respond to updates.
• Participate in meetings or trainings as scheduled.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Teamwork

Flexible scheduling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About New Moms

At New Moms, we’re on a mission to empower young moms and their families to thrive and build brighter futures. Through innovative housing, job training, and family support programs, we serve hundreds of families each year across Chicagoland.

Location: Chicago (Austin neighborhood) & Oak Park

Schedule: Part-Time, 0-10 hours/week including evening hours; Must be available at least one evening per week, and Tuesday/Wednesday afternoons.

Starting Salary: $18/hour

About the Role

The Child Care Associate assists in planning and leading age‑appropriate activities, encouraging healthy interactions, and helping children feel safe and supported. You’ll work in both our Austin and Oak Park locations, collaborating with volunteers and staff to create a positive experience for every child and family. This role is perfect for someone who loves working with young children and can adapt to a flexible schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and a safe, structured environment during parent programming
• Implement lesson plans and activities that are developmentally appropriate for ages 0-5
• Engage children in play, learning, and social development
• Partner with volunteers to ensure high‑quality childcare experiences
• Support parent‑child interactions when appropriate
• Respond calmly to crises, ensuring safety and collaborating with program staff as needed
• Communicate effectively with team members, responding promptly to messages and updates
• Participate in meetings or trainings based on schedule

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You:

• Passion for working with young children and creating engaging activities
• Can quickly adapt to different group sizes, ages, and needs
• Are patient, compassionate, and committed to equity in all interactions
• Work well both independently and as part of a team
• Are flexible and comfortable with varying weekly schedules

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience working with children ages 0-5 preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Other Requirements:

• Access to reliable transportation (car or public transit)
• Flexible schedule, including availability for some daytime and evening hours

Work Environment:

Must be able to sit/stand for up to 8 hours, walk stairs, and lift up to 30-40 lbs (or perform with reasonable accommodation). Work environments may vary.

Benefits & Perks:

We care about the well-being of our team and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Generous paid time off, as well as 15 paid holidays and close at 1pm on Fridays during the Summer
• 403b retirement plan with employer match
• Pre-tax transportation benefits
• Professional development support
• Discounts on Bright Endeavors products
• Free spiritual direction services