Small Wonders Assistant-Substitute

Applitrack; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Applitrack is seeking a Small Wonders Preschool Assistant-Substitute at Crystal Lake Education Center. This casual position supports the lead teacher, helps maintain a safe, engaging classroom, and adapts to daily needs across activities and routines.

The ideal candidate holds a High School Diploma (AA in Early Childhood Education preferred). You will assist in planning and implementing instruction, supervising children, and promoting a caring, orderly learning environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• AA degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Post-secondary training relevant to early childhood preferred.

Responsibilities

• Substitute for the assistant teacher and assist in planning/maintaining a safe, clean learning environment.
• Collaborate with the lead teacher, volunteers, parents, and other staff in planning and implementing activities.
• Promote a safe, welcoming and caring classroom environment and supervise children during activities.
• Assist in developing materials, supplies, and developmental assessments for each child.

Education

High School Diploma

AA degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

• Position Type:
  Community Education/ Small Wonders Assistants
  
• Date Posted:
  10/2/2026
  
• Location:
  Crystal Lake Education Center
  
• Date Available:
  10/16/2026
  

Small Wonders Preschool Assistant-Substitute at Crystal Lake Education CenterSCHEDULE:

• Casual Position

SALARY:

• $16 per hour

POSITION DESCRIPTION/QUALIFICATIONS:

• The purpose of this position is to serve as a substitute teacher for the assistant teacher. The purpose of the assistant teacher is to assist the program instructor in planning and implementing a program of instruction that adheres to the school's philosophy, goals and objectives. This position is to assist the teacher in planning and maintaining a safe, clean, learning environment and in assuring the well being and safety of the children in his/her care. Specific duties will vary between buildings depending on their individual needs.
• Maintains a cooperative attitude of working together with the teacher, volunteers, parents, and other program specialists in planning and implementing activities.
• Assists in promoting a safe, welcoming and caring environment.
• Works with the teacher in making purposeful and appropriate lesson plans that provide for effective teaching strategies and maximize time on task.
• Plans with and assists the teacher in preparing materials and supplies in advance for activities.
• Assists program instructor in implementing developmental assessments for each child to determine the child's strengths and areas in which each child may need help.
• Assists the teacher in maintaining a confidential assessment binder, consisting of developmental assessments, individual goals, and observations of progress toward meeting goals.
• Assists the teacher in maintaining discipline and supervision of children during all activities.
• Ability to work independently, exercise mature judgment and manage children's behavior in a positive manner.
• Works with the teacher in creating a classroom environment conducive to learning by employing a variety of appropriate teaching strategies. Maintains room environment by setting up, cleaning and storing supplies and equipment.
• High School Diploma required - prefer candidate with AA degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. Additional post-secondary training relevant to early childhood preferred.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned as necessary to meet the operational needs of the District, consistent with applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, and reasonable accommodation requirements.

WHAT YOU WILL LIKE ABOUT US:

Student focused, community connected.

Lakeville Area Schools (Independent School District No. 194) is an award-winning school system and the twelfth largest school district in Minnesota serving approximately 12,000 students in Lakeville, parts of Burnsville and Elko New Market, and portions of Eureka, Credit River and New Market Townships. There are nine elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools, an Area Learning Center, an online K-12 school, Early Childhood programming, and lifelong learning opportunities through Community Education.

Our vision is to inspire a passion for learning in every student with our mission to strive to ensure success for every student personally, socially, academically and civically. We are committed to establishing a school community that values diversity, equity, and inclusivity for all students, staff and families where every person feels welcomed, valued, and respected.

As an employee of Lakeville Area Schools, you will have access to high-quality and affordable health insurance plans, along with a range of additional benefits designed to support the well-being of you and your family!

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Employees are eligible for benefits on day one of employment.
  • All employees working a 0.75 FTE or 30 hours per week or more are offered full-time benefits including low-cost medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, and legal insurance plans.
  • Teachers are offered health & dental benefits at a 0.5 FTE or more.
  • All staff working 20 to 29.99 hours per week are offered part-time voluntary benefits including low-cost vision and legal insurance.
  • Health benefits include:
    • Added networks that give employees access to many medical services atZERO COST.
    • Free virtual healthcare services that offer access to doctors and licensed therapists 24/7.
    • Free diabetes care and heart health prevention programs.
    • Provider choice with the largest PPO network available.
    • Wellness rewards program.
• Dental plans include orthodontic care for adults and children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (For more information, visit PERA for non-instructional positions and TRA for instructional/licensed positions).
• Staff over 30 hours per week offered employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death. (offered to teachers at .5 FTE or more)
• Staff over 30 hours per week offered Long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. (offered to teachers at .5 FTE or more)
• Tax-free flex spending accounts for health, dental, orthodontic, vision, and dependent care.
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• Everyday life can be stressful and can affect your health, well-being, and performance. Under our EAP employees and their families can receive no-cost, confidential information help for a wide variety of needs and concerns: anxiety, childcare, eldercare family conflict, parenting concerns, alcohol or drug addictions, stress management, and more.
• Virtual Fitness Services: easily accessible, effective and affordable way to reach your fitness goals anytime, anywhere for better health and well-being.

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov .

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, funding availability, and collective bargaining agreement with Lakeville Area Schools. Employment information can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document located on our website .

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS:There are several collective bargaining agreements at Lakeville Area Schools. Check them out!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities and supports workforce diversity