Pre-K Assistant Teacher

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is hiring full-time Pre-K Assistant Teachers for our Head Start program!

The Pre-K Assistant Teacher works cooperatively with both classroom teachers to ensure prompt and responsive care to each child, addressing their emotional, social, physical, and educational needs.

Head Start Pre-K Assistant Teacher in collaboration with the Head Start Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher provides support in effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation, and related research for children 3-5 years old. The Head Start Pre-K Assistant Teacher is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervising children in the classroom, and maintaining a supportive and positive classroom climate while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met as mandated by Head Start, NAEYC, and federal, state, and local standards.

This is a full-time opportunity that starts at $21.04 per hour.

• Official transcripts from accredited institutions verifying educational qualifications relevant to early childhood education.
• Valid credentials or certifications, such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or state-specific teaching licenses.

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs and company-sponsored events.

• Demonstrate enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with children, parents, co-workers, administrators, and the community.
• Support high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that promotes academic readiness.
• Maintain awareness of and supervise the health and safety needs of all children at all times.
• Aid in guiding and supporting all children, including dual language learners and those with special needs.
• Support and assist Teachers in implementing English Language Learner programs to inform linguistic and culturally responsive practices.
• Adapt instructional methods using available resources to support varying needs.
• Lead selected activities during parts of the day.
• Model appropriate grammar, language, positive interactions, and discipline for children and parents.
• Collaborate with classroom adults in planning and implementing activities.
• Assist with preparations for Parent Meetings, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Parent/Child Activities, and other events.
• Assist with classroom paperwork and documentation for activities.
• Complete at least thirty clock hours of professional development annually and maintain a log of requirements.
• Participate in agency efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention of eligible families.
• Adhere to Head Start Performance Standards and Developmentally Appropriate Practices.
• Observe confidentiality and collaborate with teammates to develop lesson plans and outcomes that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent involvement.
• Gather and display children’s work appropriately; maintain an attractive, safe, and engaging classroom environment.
• Model family-style eating; regularly sanitize surfaces, toys, equipment, and laundry.
• Assist with classroom management, organization, and labeling of materials.
• Maintain accurate education folders and portfolios and support timely assessments and documentation (including TS and online entries).
• Observe, document, and assess children’s health, skills, behavior, growth, and development; complete required screenings.

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Education and Gateways Level 4 ECE Credential or an AA Degree with Gateways Level 4 Credential.
• Must pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance throughout employment.
• Passion for and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and serving the needs of children and families.
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices to promote early learning and social-emotional development.

Child Abuse Prevention:
Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child safety by following policies, reporting hazards or suspicious behavior, and completing required training.