Teacher Aide, II

Chicago Commons•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Teacher Aide, II supports 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, quality early-learning experience. The aide assists Lead and Assistant Teachers with lesson planning, child observations, and maintaining children’s binders; supports children’s participation and free choice; and helps maintain an organized, clean, inviting classroom. The position requires learning and implementing the Reggio Emilia approach and obtaining a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or otherwise meeting Teacher Aide I qualifications for the relevant age group within six months of hire. The employee must commit to one year with Chicago Commons following receipt of Teacher Aide I qualifications.

Requirements

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

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 6.

Responsibilities

Assist the classroom teaching team in maintaining a safe, positive, nurturing learning environment.
Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers with lesson planning, observations of children, and maintaining children’s binders.
Interact with children respectfully and positively, helping them feel safe and ensuring their voices are heard in learning and daily activities.
Maintain an organized, clean, and inviting learning environment that supports children’s free choice and exploration at their own pace.
Understand and implement the Reggio Emilia approach with the teaching team.
Attend and participate in training opportunities hosted by the Excellence, Quality Innovation (EQI) Team and other training that enhances teaching practices.
Work collaboratively with others, offer help when needed, and seek assistance when necessary.
Communicate respectfully with parents, students, and coworkers, valuing their well-being and diversity.
Handle conflicts in a way that helps others feel respected and valued.
Maintain confidentiality of clients’ and staff members’ personal information.
Keep the work area clean, safe, and secure.
Notify the supervisor of problems in a timely manner.
Identify learning needs, develop skills, set challenging goals, and work with the direct supervisor on a yearly professional development plan.
Demonstrate ethical behavior in activities and interactions.
Perform other duties as assigned.