Teacher Aide

Family Focus; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Family Focus in Chicago's South Shore is seeking a Teacher Aide to support preschool children in a center-based program. You will participate in planning and delivering developmentally appropriate activities alongside a classroom team.

The ideal candidate has a CDA credential, is comfortable with basic computer tools, and can build strong relationships with families. The role offers Monday–Friday hours, full-time status, and a $1,000 sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• CDA Credential required.
• Gateways Level 2 Credential or higher preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with young children, preferably in a childcare setting.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
• Proven commitment to cultural sensitivity, inclusion, and respect for individual differences.

Responsibilities

• Assist the classroom team in preparing and implementing lesson plans that support all areas of child development, including language, cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and creative growth; contribute new curriculum ideas.
• Support the creation of a safe, nurturing environment where children feel secure, build self-esteem, and are encouraged to learn and grow.
• Help adapt curriculum and activities to meet the individual needs of each child; assist in assessing developmental needs.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and professional discussions.
• Build and maintain positive, effective relationships with parents and families.
• Observe, document, and report on children’s health, development, and behavior, including injuries, physical changes, and social-emotional concerns.
• Maintain accurate records of observations, assessments, and child evaluations.
• Communicate classroom activities, progress, and program information with parents.
• Collaborate with the classroom team on administrative tasks, including attendance tracking, meal documentation, and program quality evaluation.
• Assist in maintaining classroom organization, equipment care, and a safe, clean, and sanitary environment.
• Stay current in early childhood education practices through ongoing professional development, including workshops, seminars, and trainings.
• Participate in program activities, agency initiatives, and team members committees.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Computers

Diversity experience

Education

CDA Credential

Gateways Level 2 Credential

Tools

Basic computer applications

Job description

Supervisor: Site Director

Welcome to Family Focus, where we're on a mission to empower families and their children across Chicagoland! Through our comprehensive range of holistic family support services, including center-based and home-based services, emergency assistance, prevention initiatives, early childhood education, after-school programs, and more. At Family Focus, we believe in the power of community support to unlock the full potential of our neighborhoods. With 11 centers already making a difference, we're excited to expand our reach and touch even more lives. That's why we're on the lookout for passionate individuals who share our vision to join our team as we grow and serve more families. Are you ready to make a difference? We want you to be a part of our journey!

Job Title: Teacher Aide

Location: Family Focus - South Shore

Supervisor: Site Director

Welcome to Family Focus, where we're on a mission to empower families and their children across Chicagoland! Through our comprehensive range of holistic family support services, including center-based and home-based services, emergency assistance, prevention initiatives, early childhood education, after-school programs, and more. At Family Focus, we believe in the power of community support to unlock the full potential of our neighborhoods. With 11 centers already making a difference, we're excited to expand our reach and touch even more lives. That's why we're on the lookout for passionate individuals who share our vision to join our team as we grow and serve more families. Are you ready to make a difference? We want you to be a part of our journey!

The Teacher Aide

A teacher aide is responsible for participating in classroom team planning, organizing, and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool children. Participate and assist in planning and implementing classroom activities that meet the needs of individual children and are based on agency standards. Work with 0 to 5-year-old children in groups and individually.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the classroom team in preparing and implementing lesson plans that support all areas of child development, including language, cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and creative growth; contribute new curriculum ideas
• Support the creation of a safe, nurturing environment where children feel secure, build self-esteem, and are encouraged to learn and grow
• Help adapt curriculum and activities to meet the individual needs of each child; assist in assessing developmental needs
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and professional discussions
• Build and maintain positive, effective relationships with parents and families
• Observe, document, and report on children’s health, development, and behavior, including injuries, physical changes, and social-emotional concerns
• Maintain accurate records of observations, assessments, and child evaluations
• Communicate classroom activities, progress, and program information with parents
• Collaborate with the classroom team on administrative tasks, including attendance tracking, meal documentation, and program quality evaluation
• Assist in maintaining classroom organization, equipment care, and a safe, clean, and sanitary environment
• Stay current in early childhood education practices through ongoing professional development, including workshops, seminars, and trainings
• Participate in program activities, agency initiatives, and team members committees.

The ideal candidate will have the following education and experience:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential required
• Gateways Level 2 Credential or higher preferred
• Minimum of one year of experience working with young children, preferably in a childcare setting
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency in basic computer applications
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations
• Proven commitment to cultural sensitivity, inclusion, and respect for individual differences

Hourly rate: $18.56 to $19.25/hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday 9:30 am- 6:00 pm

This is a full-time non-exempt position

$1,000 Sign-on Bonus Available!

Discover all the benefits we offer to support your well-being and professional growth here:/https://www.family-focus.org/about/careers/

Family Focus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Keywords: Early Childhood Education, Infant, Childcare, Preschool, Child Development