Teacher Assistant

Arrowleaf•Vienna, IL

21d•$0 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

Arrowleaf is hiring Teacher Assistants for Little Leaves Learning Center (LLLC) in Vienna, Illinois, an early childhood education and child care program supporting children’s growth, learning, and development. Planned services include infant and toddler care, preschool, and school-age programming in a safe, inclusive, nurturing environment that encourages social development, creativity, independence, and school readiness. The program incorporates trauma-informed practices and Montessori-inspired learning elements while strengthening connections with families and community resources. Positions are available full-time at 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and part-time at 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, across infant, toddler, two-year-old, preschool, and float assignments. The position is non-exempt and reports to the Program Director, Christie Rodgers. This is a bargaining-unit, union position. Teacher Assistants support classroom operations and children’s care, safety, and development under the direction of the Lead Teacher. Work includes assisting with classroom activities and routines, maintaining required supervision and safety practices, helping with meals and personal care, communicating with families and staff, and following program policies and applicable reporting requirements.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or GED.
Demonstrate emotional maturity, patience, respect for children and adults, good hygiene, responsiveness to children, sensitivity to cultural and individual differences, and use of positive guidance.
Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate learning activities.
Basic knowledge of childcare practices and health, safety, and sanitation procedures.
Ability to establish positive, nurturing relationships with children.
Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, teachers, and staff.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a classroom team.
Patience, flexibility, and adaptability when working with young children.
Strong observation and interpersonal skills.
Ability to support classroom routines, learning activities, and transitions.
Proficiency in positive behavior guidance and responding appropriately to children’s needs.
Sensitivity to cultural, developmental, and individual differences among children.
Ability to maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and supportive classroom environment.
Before working with children, clear Illinois State Police, FBI fingerprint, DCFS (CANTS/SACWIS), and Illinois Sex Offender Registry checks.
Report any later charge, arrest, or conviction to the Director immediately.
Complete a physical exam no more than six months before hire, including a Mantoux TB test, and repeat the exam every two years.
Provide three verified written character references, proof of education (transcripts or credentials), and verification of any experience used to qualify.
Sign the mandated reporter acknowledgment, Arrowleaf Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights Agreement, and LLLC statement of confidentiality.
Obtain Gateways to Opportunity Registry membership within 30 days of hire.
Be at least 21 years old to drive agency vehicles and transport children.

Responsibilities

Help maintain required child-to-staff ratios and group sizes at all times, including outdoors, on field trips, and during transitions; ensure every child is seen and/or heard and never leave children unattended.
Help keep headcounts current during arrivals, departures, and transitions.
Avoid being alone with one child out of other staff’s view when reasonably possible.
Participate in drills and know the classroom shelter location.
Give first aid, complete Injury Reports, and promptly report injuries, hazards, and concerns to the Lead Teacher and Director.
Carry out activities planned by the Lead Teacher and set up and clean learning centers and materials.
Join children in play, conversation, and daily outdoor time, and encourage self-help skills.
Share observations and add Brightwheel documentation as directed by the Lead Teacher.
Help with family-style CACFP meals and snacks, checking allergy postings first; assist with diapering, toileting, handwashing, naps, and dressing for outdoor play.
In infant and toddler rooms, follow primary-caregiving assignments and safe-sleep practices; hold infants for bottle feeding; label and store breast milk; and maintain daily feeding and diapering records.
Clean and sanitize toys, surfaces, and equipment according to the classroom schedule.
Follow the illness policy. Do not give medication; only Lead Teachers and the Director may do so. Apply sunscreen, repellent, ointment, or toothpaste only with written parent authorization.
Use positive guidance under the Pyramid Model and never use corporal punishment or humiliating, threatening, frightening, or shaming techniques.
Greet families warmly, follow release and pick-up identification procedures, and pass parent messages and concerns to the Lead Teacher and Director.
Keep child and family information confidential; take or share photos only through Brightwheel with parent consent.
Personally and immediately report suspected abuse or neglect to the DCFS Hotline, then notify the Director.
Notify the Director directly of any absence or same-day call-off.

Benefits

Health, vision, and dental insurance options for full-time employees, available after the first day of the month following 60 calendar days of employment.
Up to $50,000 life insurance policy for full-time employees.
401(k) with company match for qualifying staff.
Voluntary benefits for full-time employees: Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability, Accident/Incident, and Hospital Indemnity.
Mileage reimbursement.
Up to 376 hours of paid time off within the first year, including 13 paid holidays, up to 40 hours of personal time, 12 sick days, 40 hours of bereavement leave, 12 vacation days after a six-month probation period, and 8 hours of paid volunteer time per year.
Paid advanced trainings and certification opportunities.
Leadership and advancement opportunities.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
Additional opportunities for compensation above starting salary.