Assistant Teacher
The Trails School for Early Learning is seeking early childhood Assistant Teachers who can passionately support young children’s play, exploration, inquiry, and creative/critical thinking, while working collaboratively to provide the highest quality childcare to our families. Together with the Lead Teacher, the Assistant plays an active role in setting and maintaining the physical environment of the classroom and planning an exciting and dynamic curriculum.
We are hiring both full-time and part-time Assistant Teachers to work with Infants (6 weeks - 15 months), Toddlers (15 - 24 months) and Preschoolers (2 - 3 years). The Trails School is a year-round program with faculty working between the hours of 7:30am-6:00pm. Full-time faculty work 40 hours per week in shifts coordinated with the Director.
Job Responsibilities
Ensure that classroom environment and procedures meet DCFS standards
Provide nurturing, sensitive and individualized care to children and create an inviting classroom environment (i.e. diaper changing, bottle feeding infants, supporting family style eating, keeping the classroom clean and tidy)
Create an effective environment for learning through daily provocations, invitations and intentional presentation of materials
Collaborate with classroom team to develop large and small group investigations arising out of thoughtful reflection of children’s interest and promote opportunities for creative thinking, skill-building, playful experiences, and meaningful relationships
Advocate for the learning, theories and ideas of young children and yourself as a teacher through documentation, display and presentation in daily photo posts, a weekly blog and in children’s portfolios
Support and model positive discipline
Work with other classrooms and age groups as needed at the discretion of the Director
Participate in reflective supervision and incorporate feedback into teaching practice
Communicate effectively and openly with parents, administration and colleagues and develop mutually supportive relationships
Demonstrate a working knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice, and take initiative to seek out professional articles and training opportunities to build on knowledge
Participate in all school activities, including professional development, staff meetings and events, social events, special projects, field trips, and class celebrations
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s Degree or working towards a degree is preferred. CPR/First Aid certified. Familiarity with an emergent curriculum and relationship based early childhood programs is desired. Coursework in child development or early childhood education preferred. A commitment to securing continuing education related to employment at Trails is required.
Experience
A minimum of one year working with young children in a school or child care setting is preferred.
To apply for a position, click below and send your cover letter, resume and unofficial college transcripts to the Director, Jessica Horak.
No phone inquiries, please.