Head Start Teacher Assistant

Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford•Hickory Hills, IL

4h•$19 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant implements program objectives as part of a teaching team and supports Master Teachers with classroom activities. Responsibilities include implementing curriculum, supervising children, communicating with parents, and maintaining a healthy and safe classroom environment. The position is located at Easterseals Early Learning Center - Hickory Hills, 8020 87th Street, Hickory Hills, IL 60457.

Requirements

Minimum of a CDA in Preschool.
Paraprofessional license required within six months of hire.
One year of early childhood classroom experience.
One year of experience serving culturally and linguistically diverse children in early childhood settings.
Ability to multitask in a high-stress environment.
Ability to interact with diverse personalities.
Problem-solving ability.
Basic computer knowledge, including Microsoft Office programs.
Completion of at least 15 hours of continuing education per year.
Willingness to work flexible hours to accommodate families' needs.
Ability to perform physical tasks necessary to treat clients, including bending and sitting on the floor, and ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds, unless exempted under the ADA.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, with a minimum of 30 college credits including 15 hours in ECE.
ECE Level 4.
One year of experience in Head Start/Early Head Start.
Bilingual skills in Arabic.

Responsibilities

Implement classroom systems that align with Head Start and Preschool for All program requirements.
Use developmentally appropriate practices in the classroom, including materials and studies from the Creative Curriculum.
Research ideas, methods, resources, and materials for lesson plans.
Ensure children receive sufficient, high-quality observations and maintain current documentation in Teaching Strategies GOLD, child education files, and portfolios.
Maintain a safe environment by implementing active supervision practices.
Communicate with families and report children's progress through scheduled parent-teacher conferences and home visits.
Ensure developmental screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment.
Ensure children identified as benefiting from further evaluation are referred.
Participate in the referral process by documenting classroom observations and attempted interventions.
Participate in Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings.
Work with consultants and other Easterseals personnel.
Support children's social-emotional development using the pyramid model.
Use data from child outcomes, screenings, and IEPs to guide lesson planning for individual children and the group.
Care for classroom equipment and supplies, control inventory, and report needed repairs.
Promote positive interactions among staff, parents, and children and foster teamwork.
Participate in required and recommended training, including Teaching Strategies GOLD, Creative Curriculum, and CLASS training.
Participate in required and recommended meetings.
Support the agency's School Readiness goals and track progress toward them.
Train and participate in evaluations for the classroom team.
Complete an ongoing professional development plan.
Prepare reports on classroom activities, including attendance records.
Participate in ongoing program self-assessment.
Perform other duties as assigned.