Teacher's Assistant in Chicago, Illinois at Centers For New Horizons Inc

Location: Chicago, IL
Department: Early Childhood Education
Reports To: Lead Teacher / Site Director
Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site

About Centers for New Horizons
Founded in 1971, Centers for New Horizons is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children, youth, and families to become self-reliant and thrive. With more than 200 employees, many of whom live in or near the communities they serve, Centers delivers high-quality programs across seven locations throughout the Bronzeville and Riverdale neighborhoods on Chicago’s South Side, reaching more than 1,000 individuals every day.

Position Summary
Centers for New Horizons is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teacher Assistant to support classroom instruction within our Early Head Start and Head Start programs. This role works closely with Lead Teachers to create a safe, engaging, and enriching learning environment that promotes the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young children.
The Teacher Assistant plays a vital role in supporting daily classroom activities, implementing lesson plans, maintaining a positive learning environment, and helping children reach developmental milestones. This position is ideal for an individual who is passionate about early childhood education and committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families.

Key Responsibilities
Classroom Support and Child Development
-Assist Lead Teachers in implementing daily lesson plans and educational activities.
-Support children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through age-appropriate learning experiences.
-Foster a positive, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes learning and exploration.
-Encourage children's creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills through structured and play-based activities.
-Assist with classroom management and positive behavior support strategies.
-Supervise children during classroom activities, meals, outdoor play, field trips, and transitions throughout the day.
-Ensure children's safety and well-being at all times.

Program and Administrative Support
-Support the implementation of program goals, curriculum requirements, and organizational objectives.
-Assist in preparing educational materials, classroom resources, and learning centers.
-Maintain accurate classroom documentation and student records under the direction of the Lead Teacher.
-Help monitor and document children's progress and developmental milestones.
-Participate in parent conferences, family engagement activities, special events, and program celebrations as assigned.
-Assist with maintaining compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies.

Classroom Environment
-Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
-Ensure learning materials and equipment are properly maintained and accessible.
-Support health, safety, and sanitation practices within the classroom and facility.
-Follow all agency policies related to child supervision, health, safety, and confidentiality.

Team Collaboration
-Collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff.
-Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, committees, and training sessions.
-Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and organizational success.

Required Qualifications
-Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
-Minimum Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or Gateway ECE
-Credential Level 2 required.
-Gateway ECE Credential Level 4 preferred.
-Experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children preferred.
-Knowledge of child development principles and early learning practices.
-Commitment to serving diverse children and families in urban communities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
-Passion for early childhood education and child development.
-Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
-Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
-Ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
-Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
-Patience, empathy, and professionalism when working with children and families.
-Understanding of culturally responsive and family-centered practices.
-Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Physical Requirements
-Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and engage in active classroom activities.
-Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 30 pounds.
-Ability to supervise children in both indoor and outdoor environments.
-Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and staff.
-Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Work Environment
This position operates primarily within an Early Head Start or Head Start classroom setting. The work environment includes regular interaction with young children and families, both indoors and outdoors. Noise levels may vary throughout the day depending on classroom activities and student engagement.

Salary
$51,000 - $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, credentials, and qualifications.

Why Join Centers for New Horizons?
At Centers for New Horizons, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with executive leadership while contributing to programs and initiatives that strengthen children, families, and communities throughout Chicago. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic professional who enjoys executive support, organizational leadership, fundraising, and mission-driven work.

Benefits and Perks
Centers for New Horizons offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth, including:
-Competitive salary
-Medical Insurance
-Dental Insurance
-Life Insurance
-Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
-11 Paid Holidays
-401(k) with Employer Match
-Paid Birthday Off
-Student Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
-Equal Opportunity Employer
Centers for New Horizons is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.