Teacher Assistant - Chicago

Merlin Day Academy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

PTO & Holidays

401(k) with Employer Contributions

CEU Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

Merlin Day Academy in Chicago, IL is seeking a dedicated Teacher Assistant to work with children aged 6–14 who have autism spectrum disorder and other neurodiverse needs. You will assist with individualized therapy activities, prepare lessons, and support daily group therapy rotations in a play-based, child-centered setting.

We offer competitive hourly pay ($18.25–$18.75 per hour), comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, PTO, retirement plan, CEU reimbursement, and mentorship

Qualifications

• Education requirements: Bachelor's or Associate's degree or 60 semester hours completed.
• Experience with children or clients with special needs is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with individualized therapy activities and classroom/lesson preparation.
• Support group therapy rotations.
• Collaborate daily with therapists and social workers.
• Help maintain a positive, engaging play-based learning environment.

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree

60 semester hours completed

Job description

Make a Meaningful Difference as a Teacher Assistant!

Do you love working on a collaborative team with a shared mission? Are you looking to make a positive impact in your community while growing your skills in a play‑based, child‑centered clinical environment? Merlin Day Academy, an ISBE‑approved private therapeutic day school, is seeking a Teacher Assistant to join our multidisciplinary team of top therapists.

Please visit our careers page at threebirdsonemission.com/careers to learn more.

About the Role

As a Teacher Assistant, you will support children ages 6‑14 years old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and other neurodiverse needs. In this role, you'll help promote each child's cognitive, social, emotional, adaptive, and developmental growth by:

• Assisting with individualized therapy activities and classroom/lesson preparation
• Supporting group therapy rotations
• Collaborating daily with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech‑language pathologists, and social workers
• Helping maintain a positive, engaging play‑based learning environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $18.25 – $18.75/hour
• Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision + Life & Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Competitive PTO and Holiday Allowances
• 401(k) with Employer Contributions
• Continuing Education (CEU) Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

Schedule & Location

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM OR 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
• Location: 3319 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree OR completion of at least 60 semester hours of college‑level coursework
• Experience working with children or clients with special needs is a plus
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs

Why Join Merlin Day Academy?

• Supportive, collaborative, and mission‑driven culture
• Professional growth opportunities, including mentorship and CEU support
• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of children with neurodiverse needs

Please see our full Teacher Assistant job description attached to this posting, along with details of our competitive benefits package.

Apply today at threebirdsonemission.com/careers to join our mission of empowering children with neurodiverse needs to succeed!