Early Childhood Assistant Teacher - Chicago, Lakeview / Florence G. Heller JCC

JCC Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team as an Assistant Teacher at a leading early childhood program in Chicago. This role involves supporting children's growth through a play-based curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia principles. You'll work collaboratively with educators and families to foster a nurturing environment that promotes emotional and cognitive development. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children. If you're passionate about early childhood education and eager to contribute to a vibrant community, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Free Fitness Membership

Free Apachi Day Camp Sessions

Free Community Engagement Programs

Ongoing Professional Development

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• Experience in child development preferred, especially with young children.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and welfare of children while supervising them.
• Implement an integrated secular and Jewish curriculum with the teaching team.
• Communicate effectively with families and maintain a welcoming atmosphere.

Skills

Child Development

Classroom Management

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher - Chicago, Lakeview / Florence G. Heller JCC

Job Category: JCC Early Childhood

Requisition Number: EARLY004821

Posted: April 3, 2025

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: JCC Florence G Heller
524 W. Melrose
Chicago, IL 60657, USA

JCC Chicago seeks dynamic, dedicated Assistant Teachers to join our amazing team at our Lakeview location!

JCC Chicago is the largest JCC system in North America, with more than 800 staff in over 15 diverse locations across the metropolitan area. Our core program offerings include Early Childhood Education, Children and Family Engagement Programs, Aquatics, Arts & Ideas, Day Camps and Overnight Camp.

We are committed to excellence, providing strong professional development opportunities and nature-inspired classrooms that allow our staff to be their most creative selves! With our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest DCFS standards, we are looking for those who are enthusiastic about guiding each child to reach their full potential.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Teacher is a critical member of a team of educators, social workers, and specialists who support the whole child through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that embraces Jewish life and complements what happens at home.

As a Reggio Emilia inspired Early Childhood program, we support the individual needs and abilities of each of our students through an emergent, play-based curriculum. We are looking for professional educators who are interested in growing with us!

Key areas of responsibility:

• Be responsible for the safety and welfare of the children, supervising all children by sight and sound.
• Work with your teaching team to implement a program that includes elements of the JCC’s integrated secular and Jewish curriculum.
• Provide and maintain an atmosphere which is conducive to emotional and cognitive growth.
• Establish and maintain good communication and strong sense of community with director, staff, and parents.
• Make families feel welcome by greeting them personally by name and be able to share specific information regarding their child.
• Foster a collaborative, team-focused atmosphere, both in the classroom, teaching site, and the agency as a whole.
• Actively participate a minimum of 15 hours in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing development opportunities.
• Work with your teaching team to maintain DCFS and Illinois state standards.

Additional responsibilities:

• Contribute to written and photo content of all newsletters, portfolios, and mass communications to classroom families.
• Participate in regular, meaningful communication with families, including in-person conversations/meetings, virtual meetings, emails, and bi-yearly parent-teacher conversations.
• Assist in and have a global awareness of all aspects of the teaching position including classroom management, daily tasks, and social-emotional needs of children.
• Demonstrate awareness of classroom environment and physically move through the spaces.
• Assist in classroom setup and preparation of lesson plans created by the lead teacher.
• Maintain respect for children and team.
• Follow and assist in implementing guidelines set forth by the Social Services department when raising any concerns about a child’s development or behavior in a classroom setting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Essential Job Duties/Physical Duties:

• Must be able to lift and move with children (up to 40lbs).
• Must demonstrate physical stamina and agility including the ability to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and be actively engaged physically with children.
• Must be able to respond to emergency situations, moving from sitting to standing, carrying children up to 40lbs, and running quickly and effectively.
• Must be able to supervise children by sight and sound.

Days/Hours: M - F 9AM - 3PM (2's room)
OR
M - F 8:30AM - 5PM (infants room)

Job Category: Union Professional

Salary Range: $17 to $26.50

Education Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age with a high school degree or GED.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated passion for working with young children.
• Child development experience in a preschool, kindergarten or licensed daycare program, from birth to age six preferred.

Employee Benefits and Discounts: (Benefits will differ for FT and PT employees, based on hours worked)

FT benefits may include medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, sick, vacation & holiday pay. PT benefits may include sick, vacation & holiday pay.

Other Perks:

• Free Fitness Membership (individual and family)
• Free Apachi Day Camp Sessions
• Free Community Engagement Programs
• Ongoing JCC professional development and access to JUF Scholarship funding available!

JCC Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual preference, gender identity or expression, marital status, apparent or non-apparent disability, veteran’s status, or unfavorable discharge from military service in accordance with state and federal laws.