Assistant Teachers

The Gardner School•Chicago, IL

22h

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate educational experiences for children. The role involves engaging children in play and learning, supporting their emotional and behavioral development, adapting activities to individual needs, and helping maintain a safe, clean, and positive classroom. The Assistant Teacher works with families, teaching team members, and school leaders, follows licensing requirements and school policies, protects confidentiality, and maintains reliable attendance while participating in training and development. The Gardner School is an academically focused preschool serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years. It offers orientation, training, and continuing education, and supports internal opportunities for advancement within its privately owned company.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Ability to reliably commute to the school’s location.
Fluent English reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension sufficient to communicate effectively, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.
Meet all applicable state licensing requirements for education and experience.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with children, peers, and families.
Basic understanding of early childhood development principles.
Strong time-management and multitasking abilities.
Positive attitude and problem-solving mindset.
Intermediate PC or administrative skills.
Ability to frequently lift, carry, or hold children and infants weighing 10 to 60 pounds.
Ability to bend, reach, and move freely throughout the classroom.
Ability to operate a computer, phone, and classroom or office equipment.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Passion for early childhood education and a nurturing, joyful approach to care.
Interest in growing within a supportive, mission-driven preschool environment.

Responsibilities

Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing age-appropriate curriculum and activities aligned with children’s developmental needs.
Engage with children during play, learning activities, and transitions.
Provide nurturing guidance that supports children’s emotional and behavioral development.
Help adapt activities based on observations of individual children’s interests and needs.
Support daily routines, hygiene, and sanitation to maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom.
Follow health and safety guidelines, including diapering and feeding, and supervise children at all times.
Help manage classroom materials and contribute to a calm, positive environment.
Maintain respectful, supportive relationships with parents and families.
Participate in ongoing communication and classroom updates as directed by the Lead Teacher.
Collaborate with teaching team members and school leaders to support consistency across classrooms.
Adhere to state licensing regulations and The Gardner School’s policies and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality regarding child and school information.
Demonstrate reliable attendance and participate in ongoing training and development.