Head Start Child Care Teacher Assistant (SY26​/27

The job of Teacher Assistant
- Early Childhood is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the Early Childhood program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for implementing programs for the personal and emotional growth of the students; assisting in the monitoring of behavior plans; and communicating observations to teachers, parents and administrators.

• Assist the teacher in preparing materials to be used in the daily program (e.g. lesson plans, observations, individual child assessments, and child development plans, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the program.
• Assist with clean-up and care of room and classroom equipment for the purpose of providing a safe learning environment and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Assist the teacher with handwashing, toileting, greeting, tooth brushing, etc. for the purpose of providing smooth routines. Assists teacher with arranging physical space for the purpose of creating learning centers and encouraging independence.
• Assists teacher with providing a balanced curriculum for the purpose of encouraging social and cultural awareness; exploration; predicting and testing behaviors; choces of learning center activities; large/small group and individual activities; language development; cognitive development; and fine and gross motor activities.
• Attends daily team meetings, regularly scheduled center staff meetings, CEDA meetings and trainings for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Collaborates with teacher and family support team and help to plan activities and methods for keeping parents interested in their child's development for the purpose of maintaining good parent involvement.
• Eat with the children for the purpose of providing appropriate discussion for meal times.
• Ensure all documentation and individualization takes place in a timely manner for the purpose of complying with established guidelines.
• Maintains a safe and healthy environment for the purpose of complying with the Head Start Performance Standards and the teacher assistant job targets.
• Manages the classroom in the absence of the teacher for the purpose of meeting established timelines and objectives.
• Organizes quiet or active, age appropriate indoor and/or or outdoor activities as assigned by the teacher for the purpose of actively participating in the learning activities with children.
• Participate in home visits and parent/teacher conferences for the purpose of working as a member of a classroom team.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

• Job related experience is desired
• Targeted, job-related education with study in a job-related area
• Illinois Educator License with Stipulations
  - Paraprofessional OR Illinois Professional Eductor License required
• At least a child development associate credential; enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree; or enrolled in a child development associate credential program to be completed within 2 years.

Child Care Professional Teacher Assistant Salary Schedule, Step 1

$23.83/hr

• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan
• Life insurance
• Long term disability
• Flexible benefits plan
• Sick days
• Personal days
• Employee assistance program

Selected qualified candidates will be notified to schedule an interview.