Assistant Preschool Teacher

Grace Children’s Academy is seeking a caring, dependable, and flexible Assistant Teacher/Floater to join our preschool team. This position will serve as a classroom floater throughout the school day, providing support wherever it is needed to ensure that classrooms are appropriately staffed and that children receive a safe, nurturing, and engaging preschool experience.

The Assistant Teacher/Floater may work in our 2s, 3s, and 4s classrooms and will assist teachers with classroom activities, transitions, supervision, routines, and daily responsibilities. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with different age groups, adapting to changing classroom needs, and working collaboratively with teachers and the Director.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide support in classrooms as assigned by the Director.
• Float between classrooms as needed to maintain appropriate staffing and ratios.
• Work under the direction and supervision of the classroom Lead Teacher.
• Assist Lead Teachers with daily classroom routines, activities, and transitions.
• Actively engage with children through play, conversation, books, music, art, and other developmentally appropriate activities.
• Help maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Assist with arrival, dismissal, snack, lunch, outdoor play, bathroom routines, and other daily activities.
• Provide additional support during transitions and other times when classrooms need assistance.
• Assist teachers with preparation and cleanup of classroom materials and activities.
• Support children’s social-emotional development by using positive guidance and age-appropriate behavior support.
• Follow all school policies, procedures, health and safety practices, and classroom expectations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with teachers, families, and administration.
• Be willing to work in any classroom or area of the preschool when coverage is needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required training.
• Perform other duties related to the care and supervision of children as assigned by the Director.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED, as required for an Illinois early childhood assistant.
• Ability to work effectively with young children ages 2–5.
• Dependable, punctual, patient, and flexible.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow directions and respond appropriately to changing classroom needs.
• Commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and positive environment for children.
• Ability to meet all applicable Illinois licensing requirements for child care staff.

Preferred:

• Previous experience working with children in a preschool, daycare, classroom, camp, or similar setting.
• Coursework or education in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Experience working with children ages 2–5.

Illinois Licensing Requirements

This position is subject to applicable Illinois child care licensing requirements. Early childhood assistants must meet the personnel requirements established by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood/Illinois licensing standards, including:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to demonstrate the skills and competence necessary to contribute to children's physical, intellectual, personal, emotional, and social development.
• Ability to interact appropriately and positively with children and adults.
• Ability to use positive guidance and discipline techniques.
• Ability to work under the direct supervision of an early childhood teacher.
• Completion of required staff orientation and licensing-related training.
• Participation in required annual in-service training. Illinois licensing standards currently require child care staff to complete 15 clock hours of in-service training each year.
• Completion of required background checks, medical documentation, references, and other personnel records required by Illinois licensing regulations.
• Compliance with all applicable mandated reporter requirements and health and safety regulations.

Physical Requirements

The Assistant Teacher/Floater must be able to:

• Safely supervise and interact with young children throughout the school day.
• Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move around the classroom and playground.
• Assist children with age-appropriate routines and activities.
• Lift or carry children when necessary and appropriate.
• Maintain active supervision of children during indoor and outdoor activities.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone who is warm, dependable, flexible, positive, and willing to jump in wherever needed. Because this is a floating position, the ability to transition comfortably between classrooms and work well with different teachers is essential.

At Grace Children’s Academy, we value teachers who create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, encouraged, and excited to learn.

Grace Children’s Academy is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, play-based learning environment for every child.

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20