Assistant Teachers

The Gardner School•Oakbrook Terrace, IL

22h

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher works in The Gardner School’s preschool facility as part of a professional teaching team, supporting the Lead Teacher in providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate educational experiences. The role involves engaging with children, supporting their learning and emotional development, helping maintain a safe and organized classroom, and collaborating with families and colleagues. The Gardner School offers training, orientation, continuing education, and opportunities for internal advancement.

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 with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.
Meet 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 lift, carry, and 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.
Regular and reliable attendance.
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.
Adapt activities based on observations of individual children’s interests and needs.
Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom through daily routines, hygiene, and sanitation procedures.
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 communication and classroom updates as directed by the Lead Teacher.
Collaborate with teaching team members and school leaders to support consistency across classrooms.
Maintain a professional, team-oriented mindset.
Follow state licensing regulations and The Gardner School’s policies and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality regarding child and school information.
Maintain reliable attendance and participate in ongoing training and development.