Teacher Aide

MISSION:

Gads Hill Center, a social service organization established in 1898, creates opportunities for children and their families to build a better life through education, access to resources and community engagement.

At Gads Hill Center we envision a community in which all children benefit from healthy, financially stable households that support their early learning and growth. We invest in the potential of children and families through early childhood education, youth programs, and mental health supports. Ultimately, Gads Hill Center builds a community where all families can help their children have access to quality education in order to succeed in school and life.

JOB SUMMARY:

The floating teacher assistant in Gads Hill Center's center-based early childhood program is responsible for delivering comprehensive early childhood education services to children in a safe, nurturing environment. In this position, the floating teacher assistant supports teaching teams in the agency's Head Start classrooms to provide a seamless education experience for children. Although not assigned a specific team, the floating teacher assistant ensures consistency for children when team members are not available and supports individualization for the needs of children. This position is responsible for implementing structured educational activities based on program curriculum. At all times, teachers must ensure adherence with licensing standards and funder requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborates with teaching team to provide a classroom environment that is reflective of diverse races, cultures and languages; adapt teaching in response to children's differences.
• Prepares attendance records, lesson plans, meal preparation sheets, child development files, anecdotal and developmental observations on each child, maintaining confidentiality of family records and information.
• Documents children's growth and development using written observations, photography and assessment tools.
• Utilizes developmental screening tools to determine individual needs of children and assists in individualizing curriculum.
• Supports classroom teams to complete lesson plans, reporting requirements, and discuss individual children's needs. Brings up these observations/needs/concerns in weekly staffing meetings. Attends staff meetings, in-service trainings, and other appropriate child development conferences and workshops.
• Participates with the classroom team in planning preparing and implementing developmentally appropriate child initiated and teacher directed activities for individuals and small/large groups of children. These activities should address needs identified in assessments of children and promote multiculturalism, present challenges and develop critical thinking skills.
• Assists center personnel in planning field trips and other enrichment activities.
• Welcomes parents into the classroom, develops a positive relationship with them and provides experiences and activities that enhance their roles as the primary influence in their child's growth and development. Assists parents in identifying and fully utilizing available community resources. Utilize the assistance of the Family Support Staff, Mental Health Consultants, and other professionals to refer parents as needed.
• Encourages parents to become involved in the classroom, as well as the Parent Committee and Policy Committee.
• Participates in home visits twice per year at designated time.
• Demonstrates knowledge of DCFS, Head Start and Preschool for All standards and implements them in all aspects of work.
• Understands and adheres to NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and Code of Ethics.
• Conducts child health checks, documents findings and follows-up as needed.
• Participates in annual parent orientation/open house and at least two parent meetings each year.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds (average child's weight).

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, all Gads Hill Center employees are responsible for the following:

• Participate in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends.
• Participates in supervision meetings and workshops within the agency and outside (if applicable).
• Participates in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of Gads Hill Center.
• Advance parent leadership development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education required.
• One (1) year previous direct early childhood classroom experience with low-income families.
• Experience with multi-cultural programming preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organization skills.
• Ability to pass a criminal record and child abuse/neglect registry check.
• A passion for the mission of Gads Hill Center.

POSITION DETAILS:

Entry Salary Range: $17.79/hour

Schedule: Full time

Status: Hourly

Location: Kove Learning Academy (Chicago Lawn)

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

To apply, please visit our careers page