Assistant Teacher Jobs in Illinois

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We're Hiring! Join our team as an Assistant Teacher at The Gardner School of Yorktown!

We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Preschool Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Yorktown, we believe learning begins with love — for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing age-appropriate curriculum and activities that align with each child’s developmental needs.
• Offer nurturing guidance that supports each child’s emotional and behavioral development.
• Model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference
• Maintain respectful, supportive relationships with parents and families.
• Ensure a clean, organized, and safe classroom by supporting daily routines, hygiene, and sanitation procedures.
• Collaborate with teaching team members and school leaders to ensure consistency and support across classrooms.
• Uphold a professional, team-oriented mindset at all times.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $16.55-$20.50 per hour, based on education and experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities
• Career Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, access to our company-sponsored CDA program, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma (required); AA in ECE or related (preferred); or CDA (preferred).
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

Experience:

• 1+ years of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements:

• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required)
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Passion for early childhood education and a nurturing, joyful approach to care.
• Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required)
• Active engagement throughout the day including standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to ~60 lbs.
• Ability to fulfill cognitive and interpersonal aspects of a classroom leadership including speaking, hearing, reading, writing, focusing attention, and building relationships.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.
• Interest in growing within a supportive, mission-driven preschool environment.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law