Paraeducator - School to Work - Full Time

LFCDS, located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational independent day school serving 413 students from age two through eighth grade. Children are known, loved, and challenged at LFCDS, and a state-of-the-art facility provides a remarkable setting for inspired teaching, academic rigor, and attention to individual needs.

1st STEP Assistant Teacher (Early Childhood Program, Ages 2-3)
Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) is seeking a dedicated 1st STEP Assistant Teacher to guide our youngest learners, ages 2-3, in a nurturing, developmentally responsive environment.

The 1st STEP program provides a thoughtful bridge between early physical and emotional development and the emerging cognitive phase of learning for two- and young three-year-old children. Through music, movement, exploration, and purposeful play, children develop social, language, and pre-academic skills in a structured yet joyful setting.

This is a 3-day program position with additional teaching responsibilities to support a full-time schedule from 7:45 a.m. Language development as a tool for communication and self-expression

Strong partnerships between school and home

Support the Lead Teacher in a classroom serving children ages 2-3, helping to maintain a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment

Assist in promoting children’s growth across social/emotional, cognitive, physical, and language domains

Help implement curriculum based in play‑based, experiential learning

Model appropriate behavior and help guide children using clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and gentle redirection

Collaborate with the teaching team to ensure a cohesive and supportive classroom environment

Professional and Personal Qualifications

DCFS credentialing required for teaching in a 2-3-year-old program (or willingness to obtain)

Warm, patient, and responsive approach to working with young children

Ability to assist with implementing creative, engaging classroom activities and support positive behavior management strategies

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and actively participate in the broader school community

Progress toward or completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferred or required, depending on context)

Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential information

20.00 - $25.00 per hour commensurate with experience with a comprehensive benefits package including tuition remission for dependents of the employee.

Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning and builds a foundation of strong character, preparing students to navigate their path with purpose.

We center all we do on what is best for our students, protecting and building upon the magic of these precious years.

Community is our core: Raising expectations activates the great potential we see in every person and elicits efforts that result in individual growth and the collective success of our community.

Application Instructions
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, and the names of three professional references (personal statement optional) in PDF format to the attention of Abby Acuna, Head of Early Childhood, at: abby.Lake Forest Country Day School seeks and embraces diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. LFCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

A co‑educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8. Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.