Teacher Assistant/Licensed Paraprofessional in Chicago, Illinois at BLACK RHINO INC

Building Blocks Learning Academy is a childcare center serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. We believe in creating enriching classrooms that provide each of our children with a loving, dynamic, supportive experience. We strive to develop and maintain a learning environment that provides the highest possible quality of childcare by supporting children, parents, and staff. We make every effort to provide a superior childcare experience by instilling an atmosphere of harmony, respect, patience, honesty, trust, and friendship. Our goals are to maintain a safe environment at all times, nurture, engage and enlighten families and staff, and to support and respect each child, family, staff member, and our surrounding community.

BASIC FUNCTIONS: Under the supervision of the Site Director and the direction of the Lead Teacher, the Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate educational experiences that promote the cognitive, social-emotional, language, physical, and creative development of young children. This position assists with classroom instruction, child supervision, behavior support, individualized learning, and daily classroom operations while ensuring a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and curriculum aligned with program goals and state standards.
• Support whole-group, small-group, and one-on-one instruction to reinforce learning objectives.
• Assist in implementing individualized accommodations and modifications for children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) under the direction of the Lead Teacher.
• Help prepare instructional materials, learning centers, and classroom activities.
• Encourage children's cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional development through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
• Create a warm, welcoming, and stimulating classroom environment that supports exploration, creativity, and learning.

• Provide direct support to children during classroom instruction, meals, transitions, outdoor play, and daily routines.
• Assist with children's personal care needs, including hygiene, toileting/diapering, feeding, and dressing as needed.
• Implement positive behavior management strategies consistent with classroom expectations.
• Observe children's progress and maintain anecdotal records, assessments, portfolios, and other required documentation.
• Report observations, concerns, and student progress to the Lead Teacher.
• Assist in transporting or accompanying students receiving specialized services when required.

• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials and supplies.
• Assist with daily attendance, recordkeeping, and required classroom documentation.
• Help maintain compliance with licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, and program policies.
• Ensure proper supervision of children at all times.

• Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Communicate professionally with parents regarding classroom activities while referring educational concerns to the Lead Teacher.
• Participate in parent conferences, family engagement events, staff meetings, professional development, and program activities.
• Collaborate effectively with teachers, specialists, administrators, and support staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the successful operation of the program.

One of the following is required:

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; or
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential; or
• Associate's Degree with coursework in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or
• High School Diploma/GED with qualifications meeting Illinois Paraprofessional Licensure requirements.

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.

• Valid Illinois Paraprofessional License (when required by assignment)
• CPR and First Aid Certification preferred
• Food Safety Certification preferred

• Minimum one (1) year of experience working with preschool or early childhood-aged children preferred.
• Experience in Head Start, Preschool for All, childcare, or public school settings preferred.
• Experience supporting children with diverse learning needs and/or IEPs is desirable.

• Knowledge of child growth and development.
• Ability to work effectively with young children from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to collaborate as part of a professional educational team.
• Ability to follow lesson plans while exercising sound judgment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and flexible in a fast-paced classroom environment.

The employee must be able to:

• Lift up to 30 pounds.
• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, squat, crawl, and sit on the floor.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift, carry, or assist children when necessary.
• Assist with diapering, toileting, feeding, and other personal care needs.
• Occasionally perform classroom cleaning duties.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Respond quickly during emergencies and behavioral incidents.

• Primarily performed in an early childhood classroom setting.
• Regular exposure to classroom noise and active learning environments.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• May involve exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other communicable illnesses while following universal precautions.
• May require physical intervention in accordance with district or program training and policies.

• Successful completion of all required state and federal background checks.
• Medical examination and TB screening as required by licensing regulations.
• Compliance with all state licensing, Head Start, district, and program requirements.
• Ongoing participation in required professional development and training.

• Competitive salary based on education, licensure, experience, and assigned responsibilities.
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time employees.
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for career growth.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

ABOUT BUILDING BLOCKS LEARNING ACADEMY

Our Philosophy
Building Blocks Learning Academy’s mission is to develop and foster the potential in every child through an enriched, nurturing and safe early learning environment. We create a partnership with families and our communities to develop confident children who are caring, capable and enthusiastic about the world around them. At Building Blocks Learning Academy, we believe in learning through play. We augment each day with our personalized curriculum which includes pre-literacy and reading, artistic expression, music, movement, science and exploration, and language.

When you join Building Bocks Learning Academy, you'll become part of a culture that values unique differences and celebrates the diversity of our children, families, and employees while encouraging our team members to reach their full potential.

Building Blocks Learning Academy is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination.