Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Paycom; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Wellness programs & mental health

PTO and paid holidays

403(b) retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Family gym membership

Discounts on programs

Job summary

The YMCA Head Start program seeks a full-time Head Start Pre-K Assistant Teacher to support a developmentally appropriate classroom for 3-5 year olds. You will assist with lesson planning, supervision, assessment, and parent engagement to foster readiness and a positive learning environment.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Early Education (or AA with Gateways Level 4) and a DCFS background check. Competitive benefits and professional development are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Education or AA with Gateways Level 4 credential.
• Pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to support English Language Learner programs.
• Commitment to YMCA mission and family-centered care.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate enthusiasm and interpersonal skills with children and families.
• Support high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom.
• Maintain health, safety, and supervision of all children at all times.
• Assist with Parent Meetings and conferences, as needed.
• Complete required paperwork for classroom activities and assessments.
• Accumulate 30 hours of professional development annually.

Skills

Classroom management

Early childhood education

ELL support

Collaboration & teamwork

Assessment & documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree - Early Education

AA Degree with Gateways Level 4 Credential

Tools

Teaching Strategies GOLD

Job description

The Head Start Pre-K Assistant Teacher in collaboration with the Head Start Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher provides support in effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation, and related research for children 3-5 years old. The Head Start Pre-K Assistant Teacher is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervision of children assigned in the classroom, and providing a supportive and positive classroom climate, while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met as mandated by Head Start, NAEYC, federal, state and local standards.This is a full-time opportunity that starts at $21.04 per hourApplication Requirements:To be considered for a position in our early learning program, applicants must submit the following with their application:Official transcripts from accredited institutions verifying educational qualifications relevant to early childhood education.Valid credentials or certifications, such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or state-specific teaching licenses.Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.Scope of Responsibilities:Demonstrate enthusiasm and interpersonal skills in order to relate well with children, parents, co-workers, administrators, and the communitySupport high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that promotes academic readinessMaintains awareness and supervision of the needs of all children and ensures their health and physical safety at all timesAid in the guidance and support of all children including dual language learners and those with special needsSupport and assist Teachers in the implementation of English Language Learner programs to inform linguistic and culturally responsive practicesUtilize available resources to adapt and apply different instructional methods to support children’s varying needsAssumes the lead in selected activities throughout periods of the dayModel and promote appropriate grammar, language, positive interactions, and discipline for children and parentsEstablish and maintain a cooperative attitude of working together with adults assigned to the classroom in planning and implementing activitiesAssist with preparations for Parent Meetings, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Parent/Child Activities, and other classrooms/center eventsAid in completion of all necessary paperwork for classroom activitiesAnnually complete at least thirty clock hours of professional development, through participation in offered training, workshops, in-service days, all staff conferences, and maintain a log of professional development requirements, including documents supporting completionParticipate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention of eligible familiesAdhere to Head Start Performance Standards, Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the Creative Curriculum for PreschoolObserve and respect issues of confidentiality Lesson Planning and Classroom ManagementCollaborate with classroom team members to develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes for children that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent involvementGather, arrange and display children’s work to help in a manner appropriate for their eye levelAssist classroom team to maintain an attractive, clean, safe, and engaging classroom environment that includes positive guidance techniques and that encourages support children's independence and self-selection of activitiesModel and implement family-style eating during mealtimesRegularly sanitize all surfaces, classroom toys, equipment, and laundryAssist with classroom management, arrangement, organization, and labeling materialsAssume joint share of classroom team to maintain a safe, clean, environment, and practice good personal hygiene and frequent hand washingAssist with completion of classroom inventory quarterly and the selection of materials and equipment to support instruction and children’s learning Assist in Evaluations, Assessments, and ReportsTimely and accurately administer required screeningsObserve, document, and assess children’s health, skills, behavior, growth, and developmentFollow the established system for collecting and managing daily observations of children, including weekly entries on-lineTake pictures and maintain anecdotal notes, written observations, and other approved forms of documentation for each childMaintain documentation of each child’s progress and growth according to Head Start guidelines and the methods of Teaching Strategies GOLDInput classroom data into appropriate information systems, as required (TSG, Home Visits, and Parent/Teacher Conferences)Adhere to timelines and complete child assessment information, at least four times annuallyComplete all necessary paperwork for classroom activities including attendance and meal count sheetsAssume joint share of the classroom team to maintain and ensure accurate and up-to-date education folders and portfolios for each childObserve and respect issues of confidentialityMinimum and Required Requirements:Bachelor's degree- Early Education and Gateways Level 4 ECE Credential or AA Degree with Gateways Level 4 CredentialMust pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance throughout employmentPassion for and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and serving the needs of children and familiesDemonstrated knowledge and ability to assist in the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices to promote early learning and social-emotional developmentChild Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisorFollowing all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of childrenReporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisorCompleting all child abuse prevention training as required