Preschool Aide

Lemont Park District; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 31,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Leave

CORE Membership discounts

Fun and Educational Environment

Flexible Schedules

Lasting Friendships

Skill Development

Community Impact

Job summary

Lemont Park District in Lemont, IL seeks a dedicated Preschool Aide to support the lead teacher in delivering an engaging early childhood program. You will help plan, implement, and supervise activities that foster physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

The role requires collaboration with families and staff, a flexible, patient approach, and a commitment to creating a nurturing classroom. Must meet age and certification requirements and be able to lift up to 50 pounds when needed.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 or older and a high school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with young children in preschool or early childhood.
• Co-teaching or teacher assistant experience preferred.
• Strong people skills and customer service mindset.
• Understanding of child development and early education best practices.
• Clear English communication with children, families and staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with staff and families.
• Creative, patient and adaptable with a love for young children.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with lead teacher to develop an age-appropriate curriculum.
• Plan daily activities and experiences that promote exploration and learning.
• Incorporate play-based learning to support development milestones.
• Maintain a positive, inclusive, and safe classroom environment.
• Establish classroom routines and promote respectful behavior.
• Monitor progress and address individual needs and challenges.
• Assist with attendance and keeping an accurate student count.
• Communicate with parents and families and encourage involvement.
• Prepare class materials including worksheets and newsletters.
• Complete accident/incident reports and escalate to the Program Manager.
• Work with staff to ensure a cohesive team; cover lead teacher tasks when needed.

Skills

People skills

Customer service

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Creativity

Patience

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Lemont Park District - Lemont, IL 60439 Position Type: Part - Time Salary Range: $16.50 - $22.43 Hourly Job Shift: Variety of Shifts Job Category: Recreation We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Preschool Aide to join our team. The ideal candidate will work alongside our lead teacher to plan, implement, and oversee a comprehensive early childhood education program. This role requires a collaborative spirit, creativity, and a deep commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the lead teacher to develop and implement a dynamic, age-appropriate curriculum that promotes the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children.
• Plan and organize daily activities, lessons, and educational experiences that encourage exploration and learning.
• Integrate play-based learning and hands-on activities to support various developmental milestones.
• Create and maintain a positive, inclusive, and safe classroom environment.
• Establish and enforce classroom rules and routines that promote respectful and cooperative behavior.
• Monitor and support children’s progress and address individual needs and challenges.
• Assist in keeping a constant count of students, attendance.
• Maintain open and effective communication with parents and families.
• Encourage family involvement in classroom activities and school events.
• Assist in preparing class materials for students, including worksheets, newsletters, field trip handouts, fundraiser flyers and other distribution mediums.
• Thoroughly complete accident/incident reports immediately and return them to the Program Manager.
• Work closely with the lead teacher and other staff members to ensure a cohesive and supportive team environment.
• Assume the lead teacher’s responsibilities in their absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age and a high school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with young children in a preschool or early childhood setting.
• Previous experience in a co-teaching or teacher assistant role is preferred.
• Requires strong people and customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively with staff and the public.
• Strong understanding of child development principles and early childhood education best practices.
• Must be able to clearly communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, to effectively interact with children, parents, and staff, and to follow and relay instructions or safety protocols.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a lead teacher, staff, and families.
• Creative, patient, and adaptable with a genuine love for working with young children.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification within 90 days of hire.

Work Environment:

Must possess the physical ability to actively engage with young children, including sitting on the floor, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds as needed. Ability to work in a busy, active, and sometimes noisy classroom environment while maintaining patience, focus, and a positive attitude. Flexibility is essential to adapt to changing classroom needs, schedules, and routines. The position may require working outdoors during various weather conditions, including rain, cold, and hot temperatures, to support recess, outdoor play, or other activities. May include occasional evening or weekend hours for special events or programs. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about early childhood education and committed to providing engaging, enriching, and developmentally appropriate experiences for young children and their caregivers.

What WE Offer - Part Time Benefits:

• Paid Leave
• Free CORE Membership and discounts on other programs
• Fun and Educational Environment
• Flexible Schedules
• Lasting Friendships
• Skill Development
• Community Impact