Teacher Assistant

Start Early, a future‑focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country, is hiring a Teacher Assistant in Beach Park, IL.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in our mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication. This is a rewarding, mission‑driven culture where we want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do. The Teacher Assistant works closely with the Preschool Certified Teacher to create a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports the developmental needs of young children in accordance with federal, state, and local standards for 3‑5 year olds.

The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education and committed to fostering positive self‑images and experiences of success for all children.

$30,000.00/yr – $43,440.00/yr

Full‑time

As part of our teaching team you will collaborate closely with the Preschool Certified Teacher and Team to develop, maintain and monitor individual child education binders, ensuring all confidential information is protected. You will inspire learning by assisting with an engaging classroom environment based on ECERS guidelines and integrating CLASS concepts into daily teacher–child interactions and routines, aligned with the IELDSs/Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.

You will participate in lesson planning sessions and assist with the implementation of research‑based Creative Curriculum practices, tailor learning by completing required program documentation and using child assessments, screening results and observation data to design developmentally appropriate experiences that promote social, emotional, physical and cognitive development for every child. You will schedule and conduct two parent‑teacher conferences and home visits each year, build strong relationships and partnerships with families, and participate in Family Child Reviews.

You will incorporate individualized education programs and family service plans as directed, champion diversity by incorporating children’s interests, cultures and community readiness, ensure safety by implementing active supervision strategies and positive discipline guidance, monitor progress and support clinical observations for each child, adhere to all Head Start/Preschool For All regulations and agency protocols, manage classroom responsibilities in the Lead Teacher’s absence, attend required meetings and trainings, and perform other duties as assigned in accordance with relevant regulations and policies.

• Collaborate:
  Work closely with the Preschool Certified Teacher and Team to develop, maintain and monitor individual child education binders, ensuring all confidential information is protected. Follow Education timeline in accordance with program regulations.
• Inspire Learning:
  Assist in creating a vibrant classroom environment based on ECERS guidelines and integrate CLASS concepts into daily teacher‑child interactions and routines, aligning with the IELDSs/Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Lesson Planning:
  Active participation in lesson planning sessions and assisting with the implementation of the research‑based Creative Curriculum practices.
• Tailor Learning:
  Complete required program documentation and submit to Preschool Certified Teacher. Utilize child assessments, screening results and observation data to design developmentally appropriate experiences that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development for every child.
• Create Lasting Connections:
  Schedule and conduct two parent‑teacher conferences and home visits each year, building strong relationships and partnerships with families to support children’s growth. Participate in Family Child Reviews.
• Inclusive Practices:
  Adhere to Individualized Education Programs and Family Service Plans, and/or Individualized Health Care Plans (IHCPs) as directed by Education Managers or Consultants.
• Champion Diversity:
  Incorporate children’s interests, cultures, and school readiness…