Preschool Teacher Assistant (Center)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Parental leave

Professional development

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

Erie Neighborhood House seeks a Preschool Assistant Teacher to partner with the Lead Preschool Teacher in educating, caring for, and developing children in line with DCFS licensing, NAEYC, and Head Start standards.

You will develop developmentally appropriate lesson plans with the classroom team, foster positive interactions among children and families, and support the West Town program with the organization's mission to empower communities.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Illinois Gateway ECE Credential Level 4 (must obtain within 6 months of employment).
• Bilingual/bicultural Spanish preferred.
• Experience in a licensed day-care center.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and sit on the floor for extended periods.
• Self-motivated, reliable, creative, and dependable with strong judgment.
• Provide three letters of recommendation and complete all required hiring forms and background checks.
• Union membership: Member of AFSCME or join within 30 days of hire.
• Position is union / non‑exempt.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement developmentally and culturally appropriate lesson plans with the classroom team.
• Help manage classroom environment and promote positive interactions among children, families, and staff.
• Promote recognition, acceptance, and positive interactions in the classroom.
• Facilitate lesson plans in cooperation with the classroom team.
• Support the preschool program in the West Town neighborhood, aligning with Erie House’s mission to empower communities.

Skills

Spanish

Education

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Illinois Gateway ECE Credential Level 4

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Chicago, IL 60622

Salary: $21.00 – $21.98 per hour (based on experience)

Position Summary

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

Responsibilities

• Partner with the classroom team to develop and implement developmentally and culturally appropriate lesson plans.
• Help manage classroom environment and promote positive interactions among children, families, and staff.
• Assist in promoting recognition, acceptance, and positive interactions in the classroom.
• Facilitate lesson plans in cooperation with the classroom team.
• Support the preschool program in the West Town neighborhood, aligning with Erie House’s mission to empower communities.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Illinois Gateway ECE Credential Level 4 (must obtain within 6 months of employment).
• Bilingual/bicultural Spanish preferred.
• Experience in a licensed day‑care center.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and sit on the floor for extended periods.
• Physical capability to lift children and other items up to 50 pounds in emergencies.
• Self‑motivated, reliable, creative, and dependable with strong judgment.
• Demonstrated interest in working with children and knowledge of child development.
• Ability to respond immediately to emergency situations.
• Valid U.S. work eligibility and willingness to provide required background checks and licensing paperwork.
• Provide three letters of recommendation and complete all required hiring forms and background checks.
• Union membership: Member of AFSCME or join within 30 days of hire.
• Position is union / non‑exempt.

Benefits

• Work/life integration and schedule flexibility.
• Generous paid time off: 12 accrued sick days, 3 personal days, paid birthday off, 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth, and a paid week‑off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
• Vacation: Year1 – 8 days; Year2 – 13 days; Year3+ – 20 days.
• Two‑week fully paid parental leave for eligible employees.
• Time off for school conferences, activities, and bereavement.
• Professional development: paid day off annually, tuition assistance, CPR and first aid training, 20 annual professional development hours.
• Health benefits: employer‑sponsored health, dental, vision, and life insurance; voluntary life, AD&D, short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision, and dependent care.
• 403(b) plan with employer match and employee assistance program.
• Sign‑on bonus: $500 upon hire and an additional $500 upon completion of 90 days.

Additional Information

Travel: None required; on‑site work only.

Erie Neighborhood House is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with EEO laws. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process should contact [e-mail].