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

Paid time off

Holiday pay

401(k) with employer match

CEU reimbursement

Referral program

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Merlin Day Academy in Chicago is seeking a Teacher Assistant to support children ages 6-14 with ASD, ADHD, and other needs in a play-based, clinical setting. You will assist with therapy activities, prep materials, and group sessions under therapists.

This role emphasizes collaboration with OT, PT, SLP, and social work teams, plus maintaining a supportive, engaging environment for neurodiverse learners. A degree or 60 credit hours is required; lifting up to 25 lbs is expected.

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 25lbs.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Therapy support

Group therapy

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Play-based learning

Education

60 credit hours / associate or bachelor's degree

Job description

Teacher Assistant - Therapeutic Day Program

3319 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL | Clinic-Based | Predictable Monday–Friday Schedule - No Evenings or Weekends.

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.

Knowledge And Skills Required

• 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/hour
• Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision + Life & Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Competitive PTO and Holiday Allowances: Generous PTO, 7 paid holidays, plus 1 floating holiday
• 401(k) with Employer Contributions: Available for all employees; company match $1 for $1 for first 3% and $.50 for $1 up to another 2%
• Continuing Education (CEU) Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Free Onsite Parking

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

Salary: $18.25 - $20.00 per hour