Teacher Assistant - Chicago

Merlin Day Academy; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Competitive PTO and holidays

401(k) with employer contributions

CEU reimbursement

Employee referral program

Job summary

Merlin Day Academy in Chicago, IL seeks a Teacher Assistant to join a multidisciplinary team. You will support children ages 6-14 with ASD, ADHD, and other neurodiverse needs, promoting cognitive, social, emotional, and developmental growth through therapy activities and play-based learning.

The role emphasizes collaboration with therapists, assisting with therapy sessions, and maintaining a positive classroom environment.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Team collaboration

Child development knowledge

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree OR 60 credits

Job description

Department: Therapy Assistants Full Time Chicago, Illinois, United States - 60618

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.

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

Hourly Rate: $18.25-20/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