Teacher Assistant Head Start 3-5

Mary Crane Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Job summary

Mary Crane Center is seeking a Teacher Assistant in Chicago to support early childhood and Head Start classrooms. You will assist with learning activities, supervise children, and engage families in the program.

New hires are eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus. Join a team dedicated to making a positive impact on children and families in the community. Strong communication and collaborative mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Passion for early childhood development and family engagement.
• Collaborative, flexible, and open to feedback.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and committed to high-quality work.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and interact with children on the floor.
• Willingness to travel locally for home visits and meetings as needed.

Responsibilities

• Help implement engaging, age-appropriate activities using Creative Curriculum and Head Start standards.
• Supervise and interact with children during classroom time, meals, and play.
• Model respectful, positive behavior and guide children with gentle, consistent discipline.
• Promote family-style dining and healthy habits.
• Assist with developmental assessments using Creative Curriculum Checklists and Ages & Stages Questionnaires.
• Capture learning moments through observation notes, photos, and child portfolios.
• Coordinate and attend parent-teacher conferences and home visits.
• Communicate daily with parents about routines and their child’s progress.
• Support families in engaging with the program and advocating for their child.
• Plan and prepare lesson materials; maintain a clean, safe learning space; sanitize daily.
• Work with Lead Teacher, Site Director, and other staff; mentor volunteers and aides; attend trainings.

Skills

Communication

Spanish (bilingual)

Early childhood passion

Collaboration

Organization

Physical readiness

Local travel

Education

Associate’s Degree in ECE or CD

Gateways ECE Credential Level 4

Job description

Make a difference in a child’s future, every single day. Are you passionate about helping young children grow, learn, and thrive? Do you believe in the power of play, learning through experience, and strong family partnerships? If so, we’d love to welcome you to our team as a Teacher Assistant in our Early Childhood and Head Start programs. New hires are eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus (terms apply).

You’ll work side-by-side with a Lead Teacher to create joyful, developmentally rich classrooms where children feel safe, seen, and supported. This is more than a job, it’s a chance to shape lives, spark learning, and support families in your community.

What You'll Do

Support Learning & Play

• Help implement engaging, age-appropriate activities using Creative Curriculum and Head Start standards
• Supervise and interact with children during classroom time, meals, and play
• Model respectful, positive behavior and guide children with gentle, consistent discipline
• Promote family-style dining and healthy habits

Observe & Celebrate Growth

• Assist with regular developmental assessments using tools like Creative Curriculum Checklists and Ages & Stages Questionnaires
• Capture learning moments through observation notes, photos, and child portfolios

Collaborate with Families

• Help coordinate and attend parent-teacher conferences and home visits
• Communicate daily with parents about classroom routines, activities, and their child’s progress
• Support families in engaging with the program and advocating for their child

Keep Our Classrooms Thriving

• Assist with planning and preparing lesson materials
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized learning space
• Sanitize toys, surfaces, and equipment daily

Be a Team Player

• Work closely with the Lead Teacher, Site Director, and other staff members
• Mentor volunteers, teacher aides, and foster grandparents
• Attend trainings, team meetings, and agency events as required

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, OR 60 credit hours of which 15 hours are in early childhood
• Gateways ECE Credential Level 4

Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal); bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Passion for early childhood development and family engagement
• Collaborative, flexible, and open to feedback
• Organized, detail-oriented, and committed to high-quality work
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work on the floor with children
• Willingness to travel locally for home visits and meetings as needed

Why Join Us

• Mission-driven work with real impact on children and families
• Professional growth opportunities including CDA support, in-services, and workshops
• Collaborative culture where your voice matters
• Supportive leadership and experienced mentors

Ready to inspire, nurture, and grow with us?

Compensation & Benefits

Mary Crane Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to medical, dental, and vision insurance (HMO, PPO, and DPPO options available), paid time off, and other employee wellness programs. Eligibility varies by position and hours worked. Additional benefit details will be provided during the hiring process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law. To request accommodations, please contact 773-242-2881 x2866.