Preschool Teacher Assistant

Erie Neighborhood House; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,929 - 30,279; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Professional development

Tuition assistance

Retirement plan

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Erie Neighborhood House is seeking a Preschool Assistant Teacher to bolster early education in West Town, Chicago. You will partner with the classroom team to implement culturally appropriate lesson plans and support the development of young learners in a DCFS/NAEYC-aligned setting.

The role emphasizes collaboration with families and staff, on-site work, and adherence to licensing and Head Start standards. Bilingual Spanish ability is preferred and means working in a diverse, supportive

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education is required.
• Illinois Gateway ECE credential level 4 must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred; experience in licensed day-care is expected.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and sit on the floor if needed.

Responsibilities

• Partner with classroom team to develop developmentally and culturally appropriate lesson plans.
• Help manage the classroom environment effectively.
• Promote positive interactions among children, families, and staff.
• Complete and facilitate lesson plans with the team.

Skills

Bilingual (Spanish)

Classroom management

Team collaboration

Child development knowledge

Education

Associates degree in Early Childhood Education

Illinois Gateway ECE credential level 4

Job description

Since 1870, Erie Neighborhood House has provided comprehensive support to immigrant and low‑income families in Chicago, evolving programs across children and youth, mental health, community wellness, adult education, and legal services. Through these initiatives, we empower the people we serve to build powerful communities.

Overview

The Preschool Assistant Teacher role promotes early education in West Town by partnering with the classroom team to develop culturally appropriate lesson plans, manage the classroom environment, and foster positive interactions among students, families, and staff.

Position Summary

The Preschool Assistant Teacher actively facilitates the education, care, and general development of children in accordance with DCFS licensing, NAEYC, and Head Start performance standards.

Travel: No travel required; on‑site work.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the classroom team to provide developmentally and culturally appropriate lesson plans.
• Work with the team to effectively manage the classroom environment.
• Promote recognition, acceptance, and positive interactions among children, families, and staff.
• Complete and facilitate lesson plans in cooperation with the classroom team.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Illinois Gateway ECE credential level 4 (must obtain within 6 months of employment).
• Bilingual/bicultural Spanish preferred.
• Experience working in a licensed day‑care center.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must sit on the floor for extended periods of time.
• Demonstrated self‑motivation, self‑direction, judgment, creativity, reliability, and dependability.
• Knowledge of child development and growth.
• Ability to respond immediately to any emergency situation.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Completion of background checks: criminal, child abuse and neglect, and sex offender.
• Union / Non‑Exempt status; membership in AFSCME required or to be obtained within 30 days.

Benefits

• Compensation of $21.00 – $21.98 per hour based on experience.
• Work/life integration.
• Generous paid time off: 12 accrued sick days per year, 3 personal days, paid birthday off, 8 paid holidays (including Juneteenth), and a paid week off between holidays such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
• Vacation
  • Year 1: 8 days
  • Year 2: 13 days
  • Year 3+: 20 days
• Alternative and flexible work schedules where possible.
• Two‑weeks fully paid parental leave for eligible employees.
• Time off for school conferences, activities, and bereavement leave.
• Professional development: paid day off annually for personal professional development, employer‑sponsored learning, and 20 hours of annual professional development training (CPR and First Aid).
• Tuition assistance and debt relief program (budget‑dependent).
• Wellness support.
• Employer‑sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer‑paid life insurance and voluntary life, AD&D, and long‑term disability.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical, vision, and dependent care.
• 403(b) plan with employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Sign‑on bonus upon hire $500; additional $500 upon completion of 90 days.

Equal Opportunity

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us at [e-mail].

Erie Neighborhood House is an equal opportunity employer. Accredited by NAEYC and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Recognized by the Department of Justice and a member of United Way.