Early Childhood Assistant Teacher - West Rogers Park / Bernard Horwich (FT/PT)

For the 2026-2027 school year, the JCC Chicago seeks a dynamic, dedicated Assistant Teacher to join our amazing team at our West Rogers Park location, to start in August of 2026! Be part of a team of educators, social workers and specialists who support the whole child through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that embraces Jewish life and complements what happens at home. Classrooms are the first community. When we speak about community, we speak about places of sharing, learning, growing and connection. We are committed to excellence, providing strong professional development opportunities and nature-inspired classrooms that allow our staff to be their most creative selves! With our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest DCFS standards, we are looking for those who are enthusiastic about guiding each child to reach their full potential. Job Summary The Assistant Teacher is a critical member of a team of educators, social workers and specialists who support the whole child through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that embraces Jewish life and complements what happens at home. Key areas of responsibility Be responsible for the safety and welfare of the children, supervising all children by sight and sound. Work with your teaching team to implement a program that includes elements of the JCC’s integrated secular and Jewish curriculum. Provide and maintain an atmosphere which is conducive to emotional and cognitive growth. Establish and maintain good communication and strong sense of community with director, staff, and parents. Make families feel welcome by greeting them personally by name and be able to share specific information regarding their child. Foster a collaborative, team-focused atmosphere, both in the classroom, teaching site, and the agency as a whole. Actively participate a minimum of 15 hours in staff meetings, trainings, and on-going development opportunities. Work with your teaching team to maintain DCFS and Illinois state standards. Additional responsibilities Responsible for contributing to written and photo content of all newsletters, portfolios, and mass communications to classroom families. Participates in regular, and meaningful, communication with families, including, but not limited to, in-person conversations/meetings, virtual meetings, emails, Kaymbu communication, bi-yearly parent-teacher conversations, and portfolios. Assists in and has a global awareness of all aspects of the teaching position including classroom management, daily tasks, social-emotional needs of children, moving effectively through daily schedule, adjusting to the needs in the classroom. Demonstrates awareness of classroom environment, and physically moving through the spaces. Assists in classroom set up and preparation of lesson plans created by lead teacher. Always maintains respect for children and team. Follows and assists in successfully implementing guidelines set forth by the Social Services department when raising any concerns about a child’s development or behavior in a classroom setting. Other duties as assigned. Key Essential Job Duties/Physical Duties Must be able to lift and move with children (up to 40lbs.) Must demonstrate physical stamina and agility including the ability to be mobile for long periods throughout the day. Demonstrated ability to move from sitting (on chair or floor) to standing position easily and quickly; Must be able to stand for long periods of time and be able to run and be actively engaged physically with children. Must be able to respond to emergency situations, moving from sitting to standing, carrying children up to 40lbs and running quickly and effectively. Must be able to supervise children by sight and sound. Ability and willingness to be in the pool with children participating in swim programs. Days/Hours Full-Time: M - Th 8:30AM - 3:45PM and Fri 8:30AM - 1:15PM Part-Time: M-F 8:30AM -1:15PM and 12:30PM-3:45pm Job Category Union Professional Salary Range $17 to $26 Education Qualifications At least 18 years of age with a high school degree or GED. Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated passion for working with young children. Child development experience in a preschool, kindergarten or licensed day care program, from birth to age six preferred. Employee Benefits and Discounts FT benefits may include medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, sick, vacation & holiday pay. PT benefits may include sick, vacation & holiday pay. Other Perks Free Fitness Membership (individual and family) Free Apachi Day Camp Sessions Free Community Engagement Programs Ongoing JCC professional development and access to JUF Scholarship funding available! JCC Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual preference, gender identity or expression, marital status, apparent or non-apparent disability, veteran’s status or unfavorable discharge from military service in accordance with state and federal laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr JCC Chicago