Teacher Assistant

We are hiring in Beach Park, IL.

Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

The Teacher Assistant works closely with the Preschool Certified Teacher to create a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports the developmental needs of young children in accordance with federal, state, and local standards for 3-5 year olds. The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education and committed to fostering positive self-images and experiences of success for all children.

Reporting to the Preschool Certified Teacher, you will:

• Collaborate: Work closely with the Preschool Certified Teacher and Team to develop, maintain and monitor individual child education binders, ensuring all confidential information is protected. Follow Education timeline in accordance with program regulations.
• Inspire Learning: Assist in creating a vibrant classroom environment based on ECERS guidelines and integrate CLASS concepts into daily teacher child interactions and routines, aligning with the IELDSs/Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Lesson Planning: Active participation in lesson planning sessions and assisting with the implementation of the researched-based Creative Curriculum practices.
• Tailor Learning: Complete required program documentation and submit to Preschool Certified Teacher. Utilize child assessments, screening results and observation data to design developmentally appropriate experiences that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development for every child.
• Create Lasting Connections: Schedule and conduct two parent-teacher conferences and home visits each year, building strong relationships and partnerships with families to support children’s growth. Participate in Family Child Reviews.
• Inclusive Practices: Adhere to Individualized Education Programs and Family Service Plans, and/or Individualized Health Care Plans (IHCPs) as directed by Education Managers or Consultants.
• Champion Diversity: Incorporate children’s interests, cultures, and school readiness goals into individualized and group learning opportunities, celebrating the richness of our community.
• Ensure Safety: Adhere to state licensing standards, Head Start guidelines, and ISBE regulations by implementing active supervision strategies to ensure the safety of all children, ensuring that no child is ever left alone or unattended. Implement positive discipline guidance in the classroom to create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages positive interactions.
• Monitor Progress: Support with observations and document each child’s health, skills, and development, helping curriculum planning sessions to set clear learning objectives based on findings. In collaboration with classroom teacher, identify developmental concerns regarding children and follow agency protocols for reporting.
• Stay Compliant: Adhere to all Head Start/Preschool For All regulations, DCFS State licensing standards, Standards of Conduct and Start Early philosophy, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. Monitor and ensure daily attendance, health checks, parent sign/scan in, and meal participation reports are completed.
• Collaborative Team Environment: Assume the Lead Teacher’s responsibilities in their absence, including management of the classroom and delegation of child development and documentation tasks. This entails keeping the classroom environment, ensuring organization, and addressing the diaper or potty-training requirements of the children as necessary.
• Staff Development: Attend and actively participate in required meetings, training, data dialogues and reflective supervision.
• Recruitment Efforts: Participate in recruitment activities to maintain full enrollment in the program, engaging with families in the community to spread awareness about the benefits of the program offerings.
• Training and Professional Development: Take part in continuous professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in supporting children’s school readiness goals. This includes ongoing reflective supervision, all staff meetings, pre-service training and other required training sessions during professional development days.
• Perform other duties as assigned, adhering to all relevant regulations and agency policies.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD), or 60 college credit hours with a minimum of 15 semester hours including 6 semester hours in infant/toddler development.
• Gateway’s Level 3 Early Childhood Education credential required within 1 year of employment. PFA: Paraprofessional Educator License required within 3 months of hire. Food Handler Certification, First Aid and CPR preferred.
• A minimum of one year of experience in an early childhood setting, ideally with knowledge of Head Start/Preschool for All programs.
• Preferred knowledge: Creative Curriculum, Coaching to Fidelity, Teaching Strategies GOLD, ECERS and CLASS and Child Developmentally screening and assessment tools.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with children and families from diverse backgrounds.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Base Annual Salary: $37,030-$43,440.00

We believe that all employees should be paid fairly. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.