Teacher Aide; Summer

Teacher Aide (Summer 2026)

Join Chicago Commons for summer 2026! Are you off for the summer and looking for a temporary teaching assignment? We are hiring for all four locations:

• Guadalupano Family Center 1814 S. Paulina, Chicago, IL 60608
• Paulo Freire Center 1653 W. 43rd Street, Chicago, IL 60609
• Taylor Center for New Experiences 1633 N. Hamlin, Chicago, IL 60647
• NIA Family Center 744 N. Monticello, Chicago, IL 60624

Chicago Commons believes the Reggio‑Inspired approach to learning mirrors our values. The Reggio‑Inspired approach to education is where children, families, and teachers work together to create a dynamic, problem‑solving environment that encourages critical thinking and creativity. Our early childhood program serves many at‑risk communities in West Humboldt Park, Pilsen, Bronzeville, and New City/Back of the Yards.

The teacher aide assists the classroom teaching team in creating a safe, positive learning space where children can grow. Candidates must have a passion for nurturing an environment that fosters quality education.

• Assist the teaching team in planning, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities for young children in areas such as Self Image, Language/Literacy Development, Music and Movement, Social Studies, Science, Math, Art, Large/Small Motor Activities, and In‑Depth Projects.
• Provide classroom coverage during lunch and when backup coverage is needed.
• Help create a welcoming learning environment for children and their families.
• Supervise and interact with children during all activities.
• Develop strong partnerships with families.
• Share responsibility for preparation and clean‑up of classroom activities.
• Attend and participate in parent meetings, in‑service trainings, and weekly team meetings.
• Assist with implementing the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, focusing on in‑depth studies and classroom explorations.
• Maintain reports on children’s growth and development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or 60 semester hours of credits from an accredited college or university with 6 semester hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age 6; or 1 year (1560 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center and 30 semester hours of credits from an accredited college or university with 6 semester hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age 6.

The employee must be able to read and write English proficiently and regularly operate a word‑processing system, producing and transmitting data on such a system.

Candidates must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and are frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

An attractive and competitive compensation and benefits package will be available commensurate with qualifications and experience.