26)Toddler Teacher Assistant (Full-Time)

Glencoe Park District•Glencoe, IL

15d

About The Position

The Toddler Teacher Assistant supports the Lead Teacher and Co-Lead Teacher, under the direction of the Children’s Circle Classroom Coordinator, in providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for children enrolled in the full-day Children’s Circle program. The role assists with curriculum implementation, child supervision and care, daily routines, classroom upkeep, and children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. This is an hourly, non-exempt, full-time position. Work hours vary with program schedules and operational needs. Children’s Circle operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The role may occasionally require evening, weekend, or holiday hours, and the workweek may exceed 40 hours. The anticipated start date is December 1, 2026. The intended starting pay is $20.00 per hour, with a pay scale of $18.31 to $26.00 per hour. Final compensation will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience and the recommendation of the Early Childhood Director or Executive Director. The Glencoe Park District is a nationally accredited, Gold Medal Award–winning agency focused on enriching lives, building community, and fostering an inclusive, positive environment. It invests in staff, supports professional growth, and seeks to create exceptional experiences for the Glencoe community. The District is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations in the application and interview process.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be at least 19 years of age.
Successfully complete required pre-employment screenings, including a criminal background check, drug screening, and physical examination.
Submit required DCFS and/or IDEC documentation within 60 days of hire; associated costs are covered by the Glencoe Park District.
Possess current CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or obtain certification within three months of hire and maintain it throughout employment.
Obtain Food Handler Certification within 30 days of hire and maintain it throughout employment.
Complete and maintain other training, certifications, and professional-development requirements established by the District or applicable licensing authorities.
General knowledge of applicable DCFS and/or IDEC licensing standards and developmentally appropriate practices.
Knowledge of public recreation principles and ability to communicate them effectively.
Working knowledge of the position’s duties, responsibilities, and operational requirements.
Dependability, flexibility, safety-consciousness, and sound judgment.
Ability to understand and follow established policies, procedures, rules, and instructions.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to read, write, maintain records, and organize materials effectively.
Ability to assist with planning and supervising developmentally appropriate activities that support children’s emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development.
Ability to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and behavior-management techniques.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to foster a positive, collaborative, and respectful work environment.
Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods.
Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds maximum and lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

College coursework in early childhood education.
Previous experience in a DCFS-licensed program.
Previous experience in a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and/or Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) licensed program.

Responsibilities

Assist the Lead Teacher and Co-Lead Teacher in preparing and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences in art, music, literacy, science, mathematics, movement, and other curriculum areas.
Support activities that promote children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Collaborate with classroom staff to maintain consistent expectations and effective daily operations.
Actively supervise children during classroom, outdoor, transition, meal, rest, and play activities to maintain their safety and well-being.
Interact warmly, patiently, compassionately, inclusively, and appropriately with children; engage at their level and participate in group activities, free play, and gross-motor activities.
Use developmentally appropriate child-guidance and behavior-management techniques consistent with program policies.
Assist children with toileting, hygiene, and other developmentally appropriate self-care routines.
Maintain a clean, safe, organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom.
Use, clean, organize, store, and maintain educational materials, supplies, furniture, and equipment properly.
Follow Children’s Circle and Glencoe Park District policies, procedures, and emergency practices.
Comply with applicable DCFS and/or IDEC licensing, health, safety, supervision, sanitation, and recordkeeping requirements.
Address or promptly report classroom hazards, equipment concerns, supply needs, and maintenance issues.
Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and employees, and demonstrate professionalism, discretion, integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment when handling sensitive information and personnel matters.
Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality and work additional hours when necessary to support program and operational needs.
Attend required staff meetings, training sessions, parent meetings, school functions, and professional-development programs.
Support the District’s mission, vision, and values and promote a respectful, inclusive, collaborative, and service-oriented workplace.
Help maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for employees and patrons.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Children’s Circle Classroom Coordinator, Early Childhood Director, or Director of Recreation and Facilities.