Teacher Assistant

Description

We are hiring in Beach Park, IL.

Start Early is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, 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!

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.

• 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 researched-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 goals into individualized and group learning opportunities, celebrating the richness of our community.
• Ensure Safety: Adhere to state licensing standards, Head Start guidelines, and ISBE regulations by implementing active supervision strategies to ensure the safety of all children, ensuring that no child is ever left alone or unattended. Implement positive discipline guidance in the classroom to create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages positive interactions.
• Monitor Progress: Support with observations and document each child’s health, skills, and development, helping curriculum planning sessions to set clear learning objectives based on findings. In collaboration with classroom teacher, identify developmental concerns regarding children and follow agency protocols for reporting.
• Stay Compliant: Adhere to all Head Start/Preschool For All regulations, DCFS State licensing standards, Standards of Conduct and Start Early philosophy, ensuring a high‑quality educational experience. Monitor and ensure daily attendance, health checks, parent sign/scan in, and meal participation reports are completed.
• Collaborative Team Environment: Assume the Lead Teacher’s responsibilities in their absence, including management of the classroom and delegation of child development and documentation tasks. This entails keeping the classroom environment, ensuring organization, and addressing the diaper or potty‑training requirements of the…