Teacher Aide, II

Chicago Commons•Chicago, IL

104d•$19 - $20

About The Position

The Teacher Aide, II assists the classroom teaching team in creating a safe, positive learning environment where children can grow and develop. The role partners with parents and educators to provide children with a safe, nurturing environment and a quality early learning experience. The aide supports Lead and Assistant Teachers with classroom paperwork, maintains an organized and inviting learning environment, and interacts with students respectfully and supportively. The position requires obtaining a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), or otherwise meeting Teacher Aide I credentials for the selected age group, within six months of hire. The employee must agree to a one-year commitment to Chicago Commons following receipt of Teacher Aide I qualifications. The Teacher Aide, II is expected to pursue professional development, work with a direct supervisor on a yearly professional development plan, and understand and implement the Reggio Emilia approach. The role includes participation in training hosted by the Excellence, Quality Innovation (EQI) Team and other opportunities that enhance teaching practices. The position description notes that additional duties may be assigned and that it is not an employment contract.

Requirements

High school diploma or a degree unrelated to early childhood education.
Must be at least 19 years of age.
Obtain a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and/or otherwise meet Teacher Aide I credentials for the age group of interest (infant/toddler or preschool) within six months of hire.
Agree to a one-year commitment to Chicago Commons following receipt of Teacher Aide I qualifications.
Read and write English proficiently.
Regularly operate a word-processing system and be able to read, produce, and transmit data on it.
Frequently stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Have close-range vision.

Nice To Haves

Child development experience in a nursery school, public or private pre-k program, kindergarten, or licensed childcare center serving children from birth to age six.

Responsibilities

Assist the classroom teaching team in creating a safe and positive learning environment.
Partner with parents and other educators to provide a safe, nurturing environment and a quality early learning experience.
Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers with paperwork, including lesson planning, child observations, and maintaining children’s binders.
Interact with students respectfully, supportively, and positively, ensuring they feel safe and that their voices are heard in learning and daily activities.
Maintain an organized, clean, and inviting learning environment where children have free choice and are encouraged to explore at their own pace.
Attend and participate in training hosted by the EQI Team and other opportunities that enhance teaching practices.
Understand and implement the Reggio Emilia approach with the teaching team.
Maintain a clean, safe, and secure work area.
Maintain confidentiality regarding personal information about clients and staff.
Work collaboratively, offer help when needed, and seek assistance when necessary.
Handle conflicts with clients or staff in a manner that helps others feel respected and valued.
Communicate with parents, students, and coworkers with respect, integrity, and dignity, valuing their well-being and diversity.
Identify learning needs, develop skills, set challenging goals, and work with the direct supervisor on a yearly professional development plan.
Notify the supervisor of problems in a timely manner.
Demonstrate ethical behavior in activities and interactions.
Perform other duties as assigned.