Pre-K Assistant Teacher

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is hiring full-time Pre‑K Assistant Teachers for our Head Start program!

The Pre‑K Assistant Teacher works cooperatively with both classroom teachers to ensure prompt and responsive care to each child, responding to their emotional, social, and physical, and educational needs.

The Head Start Pre‑K Assistant Teacher in collaboration with the Head Start Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher provides support in effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation, and related research for children 3‑5 years old. The Head Start Pre‑K Assistant Teacher is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervision of children assigned in the classroom, and providing a supportive and positive classroom climate, while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met as mandated by Head Start, NAEYC, federal, state and local standards.

This is a full-time opportunity that starts at $21.04 per hour

To be considered for a position in our early learning program, applicants must submit the following with their application:

• Official transcripts from accredited institutions verifying educational qualifications relevant to early childhood education.
• Valid credentials or certifications
  , such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or state‑specific teaching licenses.

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work‑life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs
  , employee assistance programs, and company‑sponsored events.

• Demonstrate enthusiasm and interpersonal skills in order to relate well with children, parents, co‑workers, administrators, and the community.
• Support high‑quality teaching and learning in the classroom that promotes academic readiness.
• Maintains awareness and supervision of the needs of all children and ensures their health and physical safety at all times.
• Aid in the guidance and support of all children including dual language learners and those with special needs.
• Support and assist Teachers in the implementation of English Language Learner programs to inform linguistic and culturally responsive practices.
• Utilize available resources to adapt and apply different instructional methods to support children’s varying needs.
• Assumes the lead in selected activities throughout periods of the day.
• Model and promote appropriate grammar, language, positive interactions, and discipline for children and parents.
• Establish and maintain a cooperative attitude of working together with adults assigned to the classroom in planning and implementing activities.
• Assist with preparations for Parent Meetings, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Parent/Child Activities, and other classrooms/center events.
• Aid in completion of all necessary paperwork for classroom activities.
• Annually complete at least thirty clock hours of professional development, through participation in offered training, workshops, in‑service days, all staff conferences, and maintain a log of professional development requirements, including documents supporting completion.
• Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention of eligible families.
• Adhere to Head Start Performance Standards, Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the Creative Curriculum for Preschool.
• Observe and respect issues of confidentiality Lesson Planning and…