Early Childhood Teacher Assistant - Chicago, IL

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time (35 hours per week)
Start Date: ASAP

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Teacher Assistant to support an Early Head Start (ages 0–3) or Head Start (ages 3–5) classroom. This role works closely with the Lead Teacher to plan and implement daily programming that supports children’s development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. The Teacher Assistant ensures classroom activities align with federal, state, and local standards, as well as the program’s curriculum and philosophy. This role reports to and is supported by the Education Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Lead Teacher to plan and deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum and classroom activities
• Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging classroom environment; assume Lead Teacher responsibilities when absent
• Observe, assess, and document children’s development (including weekly entries in Teaching Strategies Gold)
• Support individualized plans (IEP/IFSP/IHP) and ensure compliance with program standards
• Assist with lesson planning, child assessments, and tracking school readiness outcomes
• Maintain accurate records including attendance, health checks, documentation, and child files
• Ensure proper supervision and that no child is left unattended at any time
• Support daily routines including meals, diapering/toileting, and transitions
• Engage families through daily communication and support parent involvement activities (conferences, home visits, classroom events)
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and reflective supervision
• Follow all Head Start, licensing, and agency policies and procedures

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, or related field OR
• • 60 college credit hours (including 15 ECE credits), OR
  • Unrelated degree with Infant/Toddler CDA
• Required: Gateways Level 4 Credential (Infant & Toddler for 0–3 or ECE for 3–5)
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in an early childhood or childcare setting
• Knowledge of early childhood development and Head Start/Early Head Start programs
• Ability to document, assess, and individualize learning experiences for children
• Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work in a diverse, high-need community

Amergis is a national educational staffing company with local roots committed to personal relationships with our clients in recruitment, hiring and placement of a quality and diverse workforce.

Company Description

Amergis is a national educational staffing company with local roots committed to personal relationships with our clients in recruitment, hiring and placement of a quality and diverse workforce.