Preschool Teacher Assistant

Preschool Teacher Assistant

If you love working with young children and have experience in childcare, daycare, or early childhood education, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact while supporting a fun, engaging classroom environment.

Cadence Education is dedicated to creating bright futures for children, families, and educators. We offer a research-based curriculum in warm, home-like environments and foster a collaborative, supportive culture where team members can grow and thrive.

Under the direction of the School Director and classroom leadership (Lead Teacher or Teacher), the Teacher Assistant supports daily classroom activities and the implementation of Cadence Education programs. This role helps maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports children's physical, social, emotional, developmental, and behavioral needs, including those with IEPs, while ensuring safety and licensing compliance.

Why This Role is a Total Blast:

• Start Today : Jump in and start making a difference now!
• Awesome Benefits (Full-Time Assistants):
  • Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet—access your earnings anytime!
  • 50% childcare tuition discount—a sweet deal for your own little ones!
  • Hourly Pay Rate $15 - $19.50
  • 401(k) with employer match to secure your future.
  • Amazing perks: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and even pet insurance!
  • Paid time off that grows with seniority, paid holidays, and company-paid life insurance.
  • Grow Your Way: Paid CDA, tuition reimbursement, and professional development to boost your career.
• Live Joyfully : We've got your back with a supportive team and a culture that champions work-life balance.
• Join a Leader : With 340+ schools across 30 states and 30+ years of expertise, Cadence Education is the superstar of early childhood education!

Job Description

What You'll Do

• Support a positive and respectful classroom environment, ensuring each child is treated with care, dignity, and respect.
• Greet children and families daily and help build professional, welcoming relationships.
• Assist in recognizing and responding to individual developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including following IEPs and behavioral support plans as directed.
• Support classroom staff with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and Cadence Signature Programs.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families, coworkers, and leadership using Cadence-approved tools.
• Follow the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual, including documenting and reporting accidents and incidents according to policy.
• Assist with managing, documenting, and reporting escalated child behaviors in accordance with Cadence procedures.
• Adhere to all Cadence Education policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.

What We're Looking For

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to consistently follow safety procedures, including Name-to-Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle-feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a classroom team.
• Ability to read, write, and speak effectively in English.

Education

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred, but not required if state licensing requirements are met.

Experience

• Must meet minimum experience and education requirements for the state of employment.
• Prior early childhood or classroom experience is preferred.

Credentials & Licensing

• Must meet all state licensing qualifications for a Teacher Assistant in a licensed childcare center.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
• CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are satisfied.

Scheduling Requirements (Please Review Carefully)

• Flexibility is essential. Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs.
• Work schedules may vary and are not guaranteed to be eight-hour shifts.
• Daily start and end times may vary and cannot be guaranteed.

Pekin, IL