Teacher Aide, II

• Pay or shift range: $18.50 USD to $19.50 USD
  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job‑related reasons.

Position Summary

The Teacher Aide assists the classroom teaching team in developing a classroom atmosphere where children can grow and develop in a safe and positive learning space. Candidates must have a passion for creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to receive a quality education.

• High School Diploma or non‑ECE related degree.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• Must obtain a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and/or otherwise meet the credentials to be a Teacher Aide I for the age group of interest (infant/toddler or preschool) within 6 months of hire.
• Must agree to a one‑year commitment to Chicago Commons following the receipt of Teacher Aide I qualifications.

• Child development experience in a nursery school, public/private pre‑k program, kindergarten, or licensed childcare center – birth to age 6 preferred.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to read and write English proficiently.

• Identifies own learning needs and takes the steps necessary to develop skills and set challenging goals.
• Works with direct supervisor on a yearly professional development plan.
• Fully understands and implements the Reggio Emilia approach to learning with the classroom teaching team.
• Acquires CDA within 6 months of hire.

• Maintains a positive attitude regardless of the situation.
• Keeps work area clean, safe, and secure.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding client and staff’s personal information at all times.
• Abilities to work well with others, offering help when needed and seeking assistance when necessary.
• Handles conflicts with clients or staff in a way that results in others feeling respected and valued.
• Communicates with parents, students and coworkers in a way that results in their feeling that you care about their well‑being, values and diversity by treating all with respect, integrity and dignity.
• Assists the Lead and Assistant Teachers with paperwork including lesson planning, observations of children, and maintaining children’s binders.
• Always interacts with students in a respectful, supportive, and positive manner ensuring children feel safe and their voices are heard in the learning process and daily activities.
• Maintains a learning environment that is organized, clean, and inviting, where children are allowed free choice the entire day and are encouraged to explore their environment at their own pace.
• Attends and participates in training opportunities hosted by the Excellence, Quality Innovation (EQI) Team and other opportunities that will enhance individual teaching practices.
• Fully understands and implements the Reggio Emilia approach to learning with their teaching team.
• Notifies supervisor of any problems in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates ethical behaviors in all activities and interactions.
• Other duties as assigned.

To successfully perform this job, the employee must regularly stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. They must also occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. The employee must be able to speak, read, and write English proficiently and operate a word‑processing system. Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range.

This job description provides guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the duties described. It is not an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, or abilities. Additional duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate and commensurate to the position. Chicago Commons reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks deemed…