Position is located at Paulo Freire Center 1653 W. 43rd Street, Chicago, IL 60609 Benefits of working with Chicago Commons: • Located in accessible communities (Pilsen, Back of the Yards, West Humbolt Park) • Employer Paid Life Insurance, Employer Paid STD Insurance, Employer Paid LTD Insurance • 403b Retirement & Savings • Generous Paid Time Off • Flexible Spending Accounts • Chicago Commons provides support for the entire family through our Family Hub Division. • Break out lunch spaces that focus on (wellness and health) for our teachers! • Pet Benefits • Credit Union Membership • Looking to GROW as a teacher, Chicago Commons offers individualized professional development support. Start your career with US and Grow with US! • 7.5 hours day • To learn more about Chicago Commons' benefits package, please click HERE. At Chicago Commons, we believe the Reggio-Inspired approach to learning is one that mirrors our values. The Reggio-inspired approach to education is where children, families, and teachers work together to create a dynamic and problem-solving approach to learning. Our teachers aim to empower children to explore and learn in a unique environment that encourages a child's critical thinking and creativity. Our early childhood program serves as the backbone for many at-risk Chicago communities, including West Humboldt Park, Pilsen, Bronzeville, and New City/Back of the Yards. High rates of poverty and limited educational and economic resources impact these neighborhoods. POSITION SUMMARY: The assistant teacher assists the lead teacher in developing a classroom atmosphere where children can grow and develop in a safe and positive learning space. Candidates must have a passion for creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to receive a quality education. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (These include but are not limited to the following. The company reserves the right to add to, delete, change or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.) · Partners with the lead teacher to develop a classroom environment that is a welcoming learning environment for children and their families. · Assists lead teacher in planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities for young children including the following activities: Self Image, Language/Literacy Development, Music and Movement, Social Studies, Science, Math, Art, Large/Small Motor Activities, and In-Depth Projects. · Supervises and interacts with all children’s activities. · Develops strong partnerships with the families. · Assumes responsibility for the classroom in the absence of the lead teacher. · Attends home visits and conducts parent-teacher conference assessment reviews, as needed. · Participates in Family Reviews and IFSP/IEP meetings, as needed. · Shares responsibility for preparation and clean-up of all classroom activities. · Assists with the responsibility of ordering supplies needed for the program. · Maintains reports on children’s growth and development. · Attends and participates in parent meetings, in-service training, and weekly team meetings. · Assists with implementation of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, focusing on in-depth studies and classroom explorations. · Performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development or 30 college credit hours with a minimum of 15 credit hours in early childhood or child development; at least one year of experience in an early learning setting preferred. TECHNICAL SKILLS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to read and write English proficiently. Candidates must regularly operate a word-processing system and therefore must be able to read, produce and transmit data on such a system EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: • Successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening. • Successfully complete all required DCFS criminal background checks. • Provide proof of required education or credentials. • Verify previous employment and work history. Applicants may review information regarding disqualifying criminal offenses under DCFS Disqualifying Convictions: Section 385 Appx.A PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Candidates must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and are frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. COMPENSATION: An attractive and competitive compensation and benefits package will be available commensurate with qualifications and experience. To learn more about Chicago Commons' benefits package, please click HERE.