Early Childhood Preschool Program Aid

Position Title: Early Childhood Preschool Program Aide

Location: Regional Office of Education #33 Henderson/Knox/Mercer/Warren Counties

Department: Early Childhood

Reports to: Director of Early Childhood/Assistant Director of Early Childhood

FLSA Class: Non-Exempt

Revised Date: 6/29/26

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children enrolled in the Regional Office of Education #33 Early Childhood program. The Teacher Assistant supports daily classroom instruction, routines, and activities while fostering children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

Working collaboratively with classroom staff, families, and community partners, this position helps ensure a high-quality preschool experience that aligns with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards, Creative Curriculum, and the Illinois State Board of Education Preschool for All requirements. The Teacher Assistant also promotes positive behavior guidance, assists with classroom organization and documentation, and contributes to an inclusive, welcoming learning environment where every child can succeed.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, & CRITICAL SKILLS

• Must possess a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets CDA requirements; or be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of hire; or be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Competence in utilizing Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Virtual Meeting Platforms.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and actively supervise children throughout the school day.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and an acceptable/courteous manner.
• Understanding and awareness of multicultural needs.
• Ability to promote positive behavior guidance and build supportive relationships with young children.
• Maintaining a positive and collaborative relationship/attitude across all ROE programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and classroom activities that support children's development across all learning domains.
• Provide direct supervision and support to children during classroom instruction, meals, outdoor play, rest periods, and transitions.
• Prepare classroom materials and maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming learning environment.
• Observe and document children's progress and behavior as directed to support assessments and instructional planning.
• Promote positive behavior guidance practices and assist with implementing behavior support strategies.
• Encourage children's independence, participation, and social-emotional development through positive interactions.
• Support classroom routines while maintaining compliance with program policies, health and safety standards, and licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with classroom staff to ensure a high-quality learning environment for all children.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ABOUT THE ROE

The Regional Office of Education is an intermediate agency between the Illinois State Board of Education and local school districts. The Regional Office of Education #33 works with nine districts across the four counties: Henderson, Knox, Mercer, and Warren. We have eight programs and nine different services, with over 100 employees throughout the four counties. These programs and services can be anything from parenting classes and professional development for area educators to bus driver training, fingerprinting, and much more. Working for ROE #33 is rewarding, and we know when you leave for the day, you will feel like you have made a difference in your community.

Copy and paste the links below into your browser to view our benefits and a detailed job description for this role.

Link to benefits: https://bit.ly/BenisFY26

Pay: $17.41 - $18.28 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $18