Assistant Teachers

The Gardner School•Chicago, IL

11h

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing developmentally appropriate educational experiences for children in a preschool setting. The role involves engaging with children during play, learning activities, and transitions; providing nurturing guidance; and adapting activities to children’s interests and needs. The Assistant Teacher also helps maintain a clean, organized, safe classroom and follows daily hygiene, sanitation, health, and safety procedures, including diapering, feeding, and supervision. The position works collaboratively with families, teaching team members, and school leaders, supports classroom communication and updates as directed by the Lead Teacher, and follows state licensing regulations and The Gardner School’s policies. The school describes itself as an academically focused preschool serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with 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 effectively 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 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 ensure the classroom is clean, organized, and safe by supporting 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 ongoing communication and classroom updates as directed by the Lead Teacher.
Collaborate with teaching team members and school leaders to support consistency 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.