Daycare Teacher Assistant (Birth – Preschool)

ITAV; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical up to 80%

Full benefits package (Dental, Vision)

3% 401(k) match

Tuition assistance up to $10,000

Paid time off: 16 PTO + 9 sick/persnal

15 holidays

Job summary

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) in Chicago is seeking a dedicated Daycare Teacher Assistant to support infants through preschoolers in a safe, nurturing environment.

You will partner with lead teachers to implement age-appropriate activities, monitor children's well-being, and maintain compliant classrooms while embracing ITAV's commitment to culturally responsive education and social justice. Compensation includes strong benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Required: CDA credential or HS Diploma with 6 ECE credit hours.
• Gateways Credential Level 2 is required.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; Gateways Level 4.

Responsibilities

• Support the center in providing attentive, nurturing care to infants and toddlers in a safe and stimulating environment.
• Assist with the implementation of age-appropriate activities that support cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and team members.
• Support classroom management, daily routines, and transitions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom aligned with licensing and health regulations.
• Monitor children’s well-being and report any concerns to the lead teacher or leadership.
• Assist with developmental observations and documentation as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support classroom, site, and organizational needs.

Education

CDA Credential or HS Diploma + 6 ECE credits

Gateways Credential Level 2

Job description

# Daycare Teacher Assistant (Birth - Preschool)Hot JobITAV Early Learning Center - Chicago, IL 60651## OverviewSalary Range$40,126.00 - $47,008.00 Salary## Join Our Team: Early Childhood Teacher AssistantAbout 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 Responsibilities* Support the center in providing attentive, nurturing care to infants and toddlers in a safe and stimulating environment* Assist with the implementation of age-appropriate activities that support cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development* Build positive relationships with children, families, and team members* Support classroom management, daily routines, and transitions* Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom aligned with licensing and health regulations* Monitor children’s well-being and report any concerns to the lead teacher or leadership* Assist with developmental observations and documentation as needed* Perform 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 Details* Locations: Humboldt Park, South Loop, Austin (Chicago, IL)* Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position* Salary Range: $40,126 – $47,008* Grant Funded + This 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):| Credential | Salary Range || --- | --- || AA Degree | $44,101 – $47,008 || CDA -or- HS Diploma and 6 Qualifying Credit Hours in ECE | $40,126 – $42,771 |## QualificationsRequired: * CDA -or- HS Diploma and 6 Qualifying Credit Hours in ECE* Gateways Credential (Level 2)Preferred:* Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field* Gateways Credential (Level 4)* Prior experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed childcare or early learning settingWho You Are* Child-Centered: You prioritize the safety, well-being, and development of young children* Knowledgeable: You understand early childhood development, milestones, and individual learning differences* Creative & Engaging: You design meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity and exploration* Collaborative: You value teamwork and open communication with families and colleagues* Mission-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 coverage* Full benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability* 3% 401(k) employer match to help you build long-term financial security* Up to $10,000 annually in tuition assistance to support degree completion and credential advancement* Robust paid time off, including 16 PTO days per year, 9 sick/personal days per year, and compensatory time eligible* 15 paid holidays annually* Clear 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.