Assistant Teacher

About Family Focus Welcome to Family Focus, where we’re on a mission to empower families and their children across Chicagoland! Through our comprehensive range of holistic family support services, including center-based and home-based services, emergency assistance, prevention initiatives, early childhood education, after-school programs, and more. At Family Focus, we believe in the power of community support to unlock the full potential of our neighborhoods. With 11 centers already making a difference, we’re excited to expand our reach and touch even more lives. That’s why we’re on the lookout for passionate individuals who share our vision to join our team as we grow and serve more families. Are you ready to make a difference? We want you to be a part of our journey! Assistant Teacher Responsibilities The Assistant Teacher is responsible for contributing in the classroom team in planning, organizing, and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool and/ or Head Start children. Assist in planning and implementing classroom activities that meet individual children’s needs and are based on IL standards and Head Start standards. Work with birth‑to‑5‑year‑old children in groups and individually. Demonstrate initiative in creating a positive team. All teachers serve as ambassadors for the school and the agency. Duties include, but are not limited to: Develop positive relationships with children and parents. Assist lead teacher in preparation and implementation of lesson plans covering all developmental areas: language, cognitive, physical, personal, social/emotional, and creative. Explore new curriculum ideas and implement the Project Approach along with the Creative Curriculum. Create an atmosphere in which children can learn, grow, build self‑esteem, and feel secure. Adapt curriculum and provide leadership for planning and implementation of activities to meet each child’s individual needs. Work positively with the team to assess needs. Collaborate with the service review team in initiating referrals for special needs services. Participate in child staffing. Participate in parent‑teacher conferences, and other formal/informal conferences throughout the year as appropriate. Establish and maintain effective relationships with parents. Observe, document and report changes in child’s health, injuries, changes in physical appearance or social behaviors. Fill out accident and incident reports on the day of occurrence. Discuss and maintain records of child observation and evaluations through Teaching Strategies Gold, COPS, and Education Folders. Collaborate with lead teacher and director around ordering and purchasing supplies. With classroom team, be responsible for room arrangements and proper care of classroom equipment, maintaining a safe, neat, orderly, and clean environment that is age appropriate for children. Ideal Candidate Qualifications Must have a minimum of an AA in Child Development from an accredited college or be enrolled in an AS program with 30 credits, of which at least 15 must be in Child Development/Early Childhood Education. Must have Gateways IT Credential Level 4. Relates well with children and adults. Ability to work with culturally diverse populations. Schedule: Monday–Friday (9:30 AM–6:00 PM). Hourly range: $21.63/hr. This is a full‑time non‑exempt position. $1,500 Sign‑on Bonus Available! Family Focus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Keywords: Early Childhood Education, Infant, Toddler, Child Development, Assistant. #J-18808-Ljbffr Family Focus