Teacher Assistant, Head Start

Start Early; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,575 - 41,535; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health plans

401(k) contribution

Paid volunteer days

Parental leave

Job summary

Start Early is seeking a Head Start Teacher Assistant in Chicago, providing impactful education to young children. You will work closely with the Lead Teacher and be involved in developing and monitoring child education plans while promoting a nurturing learning environment.

This full-time role requires effective communication with families, observation of child development, and adherence to educational standards. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential. Salary range is competitive.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or 60 college semester hours with 15 in ECE or CD required.
• One year of experience in an Early Childhood or Childcare Program.
• Knowledge of developmental child care programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor educational binders for children.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate experiences.
• Conduct parent conferences and maintain effective communication.

Skills

Early Childhood Education

Child Development

Communication

Parent Engagement

Education

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development

Job description

Educare Chicago Head Start Teacher Assistant

Educare Chicago provides high-quality care, best-in-class education, and a stimulating learning environment to children from birth to five years old on Chicago’s South Side. As a program that serves low‑income families, Educare’s research‑based program helps children develop the literacy, language, early math, and social‑emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, excellence, learning, and communication. Become part of our rewarding, mission‑driven culture. We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do.

Job Type: Full‑time

Responsibilities

• Administrative Responsibilities: In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, develop and regularly monitor child education binders for each child and ensure all confidential information is protected. Accurately complete all required program documentation and submit it on time to the Lead Teacher. Participate in recruitment efforts to help maintain full program enrollment. As assigned by the lead teacher, monitor daily attendance, health checks, parent sign/scan in, and meal participation reports, and read and respond to Outlook emails daily.
• Child Development: Observe, assess, and document each assigned child’s growth and development in TSG with a minimum of two entries per child each week and three entries per child with an IFSP/IEP. Adhere to all IEP, IFSP, and IHP Implementation Plans and/or strategies provided by Education Managers and/or Consultants. Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self‑images and experience success. Ensure goals are made with parents and reflected in children’s individual plans. Participate in Family/Child Reviews. Identify any developmental concerns regarding the children and follow agency protocol.
• Curriculum and Assessment: In conjunction with the classroom teaching team, plan and implement developmentally appropriate experiences that promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each child and support their school readiness. Develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, experiences, and outcomes for children. Utilize standardized and authentic assessment data to create learning opportunities and advance children’s development and learning. Complete all assigned TSG modules and trainings, and maintain observation, technological, and individualization skills required for assessment and lesson planning. Establish and maintain a classroom environment that ensures appropriate child guidance and discipline techniques are implemented in accordance with Educare’s philosophy, curriculum, policies and procedures, Head Start standards, Ounce standards of conduct, and state regulations.
• Classroom Environment: Assume responsibility for the management of the classroom during the Teacher’s absence. Ensure all children are always under appropriate supervision and no child is left unattended. Perform and delegate child development and documentation responsibilities as needed. Maintain a classroom environment that reflects the use of “New Beginnings” and follows the guidelines of ITERS or ECERS.
• Parent Involvement: Schedule and conduct Parent/Staff conferences and home visits as assigned by the Lead Teacher. Encourage parent participation in the program, including participation in parent events, home visits, conferences and volunteering in the classroom. Plan and implement three classroom meetings with the teaching team and Family Support Specialists. Hold friendly daily conversations with families and maintain professional boundaries. Develop positive and effective partnerships with families using the Touchpoints Approach once trained.
• Follow all mandates of federal regulations, state and local licensing, and the Ounce’s philosophy, agency policies and procedures, curriculum, and Standards of Conduct. Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and trainings, and reflective supervision. Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job. Administer medication as needed (e.g., Nebulizer treatment, Epipen).

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or 60 college semester hours with a minimum of 15 semester hours in ECE or CD, or an unrelated degree with a current Preschool CDA.
• Gateways Level 4 ECE Credential for Early Head Start required upon hire.
• Minimum one year experience in an Early Childhood or Childcare Program.
• 20 hours of annual continuing education. CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers certification required. Additional training: Mandated Reporter, Health and Safety Basics, SIDS, and Shaken Baby Syndrome.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement Early Head Start/Head Start or other developmental child care programs and early childhood principles, practices, and curricula for the specific age group (0‑3 or 3‑5). Ability to stay abreast of ongoing developments in the child care field.
• Willingness to work in a high‑risk, low‑income community and a flexible schedule between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.
• Discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Deep commitment to advancing diversity and incorporating inclusive practices into daily routines and practice.
• Efficient establishment of relationships with colleagues and clients, gaining their trust and respect.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Salary

Base annual salary range: $40,575.00 – $41,535.00. Sign‑on bonus up to $3,000.00.

Benefits

Comprehensive health plans, diversity & inclusion initiatives, holistic wellness program, professional development program, 401(k) contribution, paid volunteer days, 6 months of paid parental leave, and more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.