Teacher Assistant - Chicago

Eyas Landing; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision

Life & Disability Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

401(k) with employer contributions

CEU reimbursement

Employee referral program

Job summary

Merlin Day Academy in Chicago, IL is seeking a Teacher Assistant to join our multidisciplinary team supporting children ages 6-14 with ASD, ADHD, and other neurodiverse needs in a play-based clinical setting.

You will help with therapy activities, assist group therapy rotations, and collaborate with occupational, physical, speech-language therapists, and social workers to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and developmental growth.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Therapy assistance

Group therapy support

Team collaboration

Play-based environment

Education

60 credit hours / college degree

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.

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 – $20.00/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.

Salary: $18.25 - $20.00 per hour