Teacher Assistant (Afternoon)

Afternoon STREAM Teacher’s Aide (Ages 4-7) Location: Batavia, IL (Vanguard Gifted Academy) Schedule: Monday – Friday | 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM or 12:00-3:00 PM Hours: About 17.5 hours per week Pay Range: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour (Based on experience)

About Vanguard Gifted Academy Vanguard Gifted Academy is a dedicated community for gifted children, moving beyond traditional worksheets to provide authentic, hands-on learning experiences. Our mission is to guide gifted children toward a life of discovery, empowerment, and innovation.

Position Overview We are seeking a high-energy, creative, and patient Teacher’s Aide to support our 4-7 year old students during our signature afternoon STREAM module (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Many of our students are twice-exceptional (2e), and we value a mentor who understands and celebrates neurodivergent learners.

Key Responsibilities

• STREAM Support: Assist the Teacher in setting up and facilitating hands-on projects, ranging from building engineering blueprints to artistic simulations.
• Community Mentorship: Support the 11:30 AM transition into the Midday Community, helping students develop social-emotional skills like collaboration, leadership, and problem resolution during lunch and play.
• Neurodiverse Scaffolding: Provide the necessary support for learners with autism or ADHD to help them stay engaged and successful in a collaborative environment.
• Small Group Facilitation: Work with multi-age groups as they move through the design process, offering coaching and "scaffolding" rather than just giving answers.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of experience working with children ages 4–7 in an educational or camp setting.
• A patient, empathetic communication style and a positive attitude toward creative problem-solving.

Preferred Experience:

• Neurodiversity Expertise: Direct experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum, or those with ADHD, and sensory processing differences.
• Behavioral Support: Familiarity with positive reinforcement and de-escalation strategies.
• Gifted Education: An understanding of the unique social-emotional needs of gifted/2e learners.

How to Apply Join a team that values discovery over perfection. Please visit or on Instagram/Facebook @VanguardGiftedAcademy to see our mission in action. Send your resume and a cover letter highlighting your experience with neurodivergent learners to [email protected] .

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 18 per week

Work Location: In person