Pre-K Teacher Aide

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) plan with company contributions

Paid time off and holidays

Flexible work hours

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking a part-time Pre-K Teacher Aide for our Head Start program in Chicago. You will support the teaching team, help implement learning experiences, and maintain a safe, organized classroom in alignment with YMCA goals and curriculum.

The role requires a High School Diploma with 12 college credits in Early Childhood Education, and the ability to obtain a DCFS background clearance. This is a union position with benefits and room for growth.

Qualifications

• Must pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance.
• Understanding of child growth and development.
• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret policies and procedures.
• This position is a union position.

Responsibilities

• Support plans of an effective child development program to meet needs of each child.
• Supervise children and maintain safe, organized learning spaces.
• Support routines (diapering, handwashing, meals, napping) in a hygienic way.
• Assist in recruitment and enrollment activities and family engagement.
• Collaborate with teaching team to ensure continuity of care and curriculum.

Skills

DCFS background understanding

Reading comprehension

Child development knowledge

Teamwork and collaboration

Education

High School Diploma + 12 college credits in ECE

Job description

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is hiring a part-time Pre-K Teacher Aide for our Head Start program. The Pre-K Teacher Aide provides support to the teaching team in planning and implementing learning experiences for children, maintaining the classroom, and managing children in accordance with the YMCA goals and curriculum plan.

We rely on the expertise, passion, commitment, and energy of our teachers and other team members to help us achieve our mission one child, one family, and one team member at a time. Our early learning programs create a child-centered environment that promotes learning, character development, healthy living, and positive, nurturing relationships. With a commitment to meeting accreditation standards and extensive training and development in research-based practices, you’ll also learn and grow and positively impact our children, families, and communities.

The starting pay for this role is $17.14 per hour.

Benefits

• We offer salaries that reflect your skills, experience, and the value you bring to our team.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible employees, along with access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), including paid holidays. We also offer flexible work hours to help you balance your personal and professional life.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions after 2 years of service to help you plan for your future.
• Opportunities for continuous learning through workshops and training programs.
• A supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope Of Responsibilities

• Support plans of an effective child development program to meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of each child enrolled
• Support children’s safety through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, proper maintenance of equipment, and regular practice of fire drills and other emergency procedures
• Support and implement routines for diapering, toilet training handwashing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and transitioning between activities, in a manner that is prompt, hygienic, and consistent with regulations and good child development practices
• Coordinate, implement, and monitor center plans for meeting and retaining children & families, including eligibility, recruitment, enrollment, and daily attendance
• Work as a member of the team to ensure continuity of children’s care, curriculum, and quality in the classroom and center
• Participate in and support center efforts to recruit and enroll new children and families
• Maintain professionalism in attire and demeanor; observe and respect issues of confidentiality, ethics, and best practices of the Early Childhood Profession, and mandatory reporting guidelines of the Abuse and Neglect Child Reporting Act

Requirements

• Must have a High School Diploma with 12 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education with prior experience working with children
• Must pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance throughout employment
• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret documents such as policies and procedures
• Demonstrated understanding of child growth and development
• This position is a union position

Child Abuse Prevention

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required