Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Junior Kindergarten - Age 4

Quest Academy is a leading, non-profit private independent school for gifted students in grades Preschool - 8 located in Palatine, IL outside of Chicago. The mission of Quest Academy is to provide gifted children with a challenging curriculum and a nurturing environment, emphasizing sound character, along with scholarship and creativity in both the academics and the arts. The Quest Academy community values the individuality of each child and encourages each to strive for personal excellence.

To learn more about Quest Academy, visit

Position Summary: Quest Academy is seeking a creative, student-centered, and self-motivated Early Childhood Junior Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (Age 4). The expectations of the Junior Kindergarten experience include a developmentally-aligned approach to learning that is customized to the often advanced needs of a gifted child. Quest students benefit from a “no-ceiling” academic philosophy so that they may have access to content and materials that challenge them and are not restricted by their age.

Quest Academy hires talented individuals to work with a dynamic student population of gifted learners who also understand the importance of providing nurturing guidance through the development of essential student relationships. Quest educators know their students, understand their students, and see students as individual thinkers and human beings. Quest seeks to hire educators who possess a passion for service and a desire to grow personally and professionally in the field of education.

Duties include:

● Assist the Lead Teacher in delivering lessons consistent with the learning expectations of a child in Junior Kindergarten.

● Promote a dynamic classroom environment that stimulates learning growth and reinforces learning goals of both the collective class and the individual students.

● Foster compassionate engagement with the children that supports their personal development and instills trust between them and their teachers.

● Work closely with specials classes such as drama, art, music, Spanish, and library to incorporate cross-curricular learning.

● Maintain a tidy, student-focused classroom that promotes student well-being, supports learning objectives, and reflects the curriculum as it changes throughout the school year.

● Focus on developmental milestones of the young child including fine and gross motor skills, cooperation, friendships, responsibility, respect, and safety.

● Promote a positive, supportive working relationship with the Junior Kindergarten teacher.

● Collaborate with the preschool team to maintain an engaging and respectful atmosphere with colleagues and reveal learning opportunities for the students.

● Support and adhere to Individualized Student Learning Plans.

● Refer all parental questions regarding student progress or school curriculum or programs to the classroom teacher.

● Supervise students at recess and lunch as assigned, during assemblies, and various other schoolday events.

● Attend weekly staff meetings and participate as a member of the PS-2 Division Team.

Minimum Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s degree required; early childhood or related field is preferred.

● 3+ years working with children 3-5 years old, gifted experience preferred

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills

● Maintain up-to-date First Aid and CPR certification as provided by Quest Academy

In accordance with State of Illinois law, a criminal background check will be required, prior to beginning employment. Quest Academy does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

It is the responsibility of all Quest employees to:

● Understand and support Quest's mission and philosophy and promote a positive image of the school.

● Contribute to a harmonious school atmosphere by working cooperatively with all colleagues.

● Attend some events outside of the normal school schedule, such as open houses and graduation.

● Respect the confidentiality of private information relating to students, colleagues, and the operations of the school.

● Refrain from establishing close relationships with colleagues, students, parents, or trustees that would compromise professional integrity.

● Demonstrate responsibility and punctuality.

● Display flexibility in responding to new situations and expectations, as well as a positive attitude and a helpful, nonjudgmental demeanor.

● Show willingness to consider and implement suggestions for improvement.

● Model the good character traits that Quest students are expected to embody.

Please submit your application and resume at or for more information contact [email protected]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30,000.00 - $35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person