Daycare Teacher Assistant (Birth - Preschool)

Community Education Network; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

401(k) employer match

Full benefits package (medical, dental

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) seeks a dedicated Teacher Assistant to support early childhood classrooms. You will partner with lead teachers to provide nurturing care, age-appropriate activities, and developmentally appropriate experiences for infants and toddlers in a licensed setting.

This 12-month, full-time role offers credential-related growth, competitive benefits, and opportunities for tuition assistance within ITAV’s grant-funded early childhood program in Chicago, IL.

Qualifications

• AA Degree or CDA/HS Diploma with 6 ECE credits required.
• Gateways Credential Level 2 required.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Gateways Credential Level 4 is a bonus credential.

Responsibilities

• Support infants and toddlers in a safe, nurturing environment.
• Assist with age-appropriate activities that support development.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Support classroom routines, transitions, and behavior management.
• Observe and document developmental progress as needed.

Skills

Child-Centered

Knowledgeable

Creative & Engaging

Collaborative

Mission-Aligned

Education

AA Degree

CDA or HS Diploma + 6 ECE credits

Gateways Credential Level 2

Associate’s degree in ECE or related field

Gateways Credential Level 4

Job description

About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV)It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) is a beacon for educating and uplifting Black children and families across Chicago. We provide a culturally responsive, social justice–centered education that empowers students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and changemakers.At ITAV, learning is joyful and transformative, teaching is innovative, and classrooms extend far beyond four walls. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—while building strong, connected communities.Position OverviewWe are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teacher Assistant to support our early childhood classrooms. In this role, you will partner with lead teachers to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, explore, and grow.This position is part of ITAV’s expanding early childhood programming, supported through strategic public and private funding to increase access to high-quality care in our communities.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport the center in providing attentive, nurturing care to infants and toddlers in a safe and stimulating environmentAssist with the implementation of age-appropriate activities that support cognitive, physical, social, and emotional developmentBuild positive relationships with children, families, and team membersSupport classroom management, daily routines, and transitionsMaintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom aligned with licensing and health regulationsMonitor children’s well-being and report any concerns to the lead teacher or leadershipAssist with developmental observations and documentation as neededPerform additional duties as assigned to support classroom, site, and organizational needsWhy Join ITAV?Make an Impact : Play a key role in supporting early learning experiences during critical developmental yearsGrow Your Career: Access tuition assistance, credential support, and professional development opportunitiesBe in Community: Work alongside a team of passionate educators committed to excellence and equityInnovate in Education: Be part of a model that integrates social justice, community engagement, and high-quality early learningPosition DetailsLocations: Humboldt Park, South Loop, Austin (Chicago, IL)Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month PositionSalary Range: $40,126 – $47,008Grant FundedThis position is supported through grant-funded programs that are integral to ITAV’s early childhood education model. These funding streams enable us to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive care and learning across our communities.Salary Placement (Based on Credentials):CredentialSalary RangeAA Degree$44,101 – $47,008CDA -or- HS Diploma and 6 Qualifying Credit Hours in ECE$40,126 – $42,771Required:CDA -or- HS Diploma and 6 Qualifying Credit Hours in ECEGateways Credential (Level 2)Preferred:Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related fieldGateways Credential (Level 4)Prior experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed childcare or early learning settingWho You AreChild-Centered: You prioritize the safety, well-being, and development of young childrenKnowledgeable: You understand early childhood development, milestones, and individual learning differencesCreative & Engaging: You design meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity and explorationCollaborative: You value teamwork and open communication with families and colleaguesMission-Aligned: You are passionate about culturally responsive education and social justiceCompensation & BenefitsWe believe in investing in our educators through a competitive, transparent compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and long-term success.Up to 80% employer-paid medical coverageFull benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability3% 401(k) employer match to help you build long-term financial securityUp to $10,000 annually in tuition assistance to support degree completion and credential advancementRobust paid time off, including 16 PTO days per year, 9 sick/personal days per year, and compensatory time eligible15 paid holidays annuallyClear pathways for career advancement and leadership opportunitiesReady to Make a Difference?If you are passionate about early childhood education and ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Submit your resume and cover letter to join a team that is shaping the future—one child at a time.