Assistant Teachers

The Gardner School • Oakbrook Terrace, IL

1d

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher works in a preschool setting serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years. The role supports the Lead Teacher in delivering age-appropriate learning activities and providing nurturing care that supports children’s development. The Assistant Teacher helps maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom, follows health and safety procedures, and works collaboratively with families, teaching staff, and school leaders.

The Gardner School describes itself as an academically focused preschool with a rich learning environment that supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. It provides training, orientation, and continuing education, and supports internal advancement within its privately owned company. The school seeks faculty who are passionate about early childhood education and bring a positive curiosity about life.

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 with students, families, and staff, 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.
• 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.
• 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, feeding, and supervising 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 ensure consistency and support across classrooms.
• Follow state licensing regulations and The Gardner School’s policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding child and school information.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and a commitment to ongoing training and development.

Benefits

• Extensive training, orientation, and continuing education programs.
• Opportunities to gain experience and advance within the company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED