MISSION:

Gads Hill Center, a social service organization established in 1898, creates opportunities for children and their families to build a better life through education, access to resources and community engagement.

At Gads Hill Center we envision a community in which all children benefit from healthy, financially stable households that support their early learning and growth. We invest in the potential of children and families through early childhood education, youth programs, and mental health supports. Ultimately, Gads Hill Center builds a community where all families can help their children have access to quality education in order to succeed in school and life.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Teacher Aide in Gads Hill Centers center-based early childhood program is responsible for delivering comprehensive early childhood education services to children in a safe, nurturing environment. In this position, the Teacher Aide supports teaching teams in the agencys Head Start classrooms to provide a seamless education experience for children. Although not assigned a specific team, the Teacher Aide ensures consistency for children when team members are not available and supports individualization for the needs of children. This position is responsible for implementing structured educational activities based on program curriculum. Teacher Aides must adhere to DCFS licensing standards and funder requirements at all times.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 
  Collaborates with teaching team to provide a classroom environment that is reflective of diverse races, cultures and languages; adapt teaching in response to childrens differences.
• Documents childrens growth and development using written observations, photography and assessment tools.
• Supports classroom teams to complete lesson plans, reporting requirements, and discusses individual childrens needs with Teacher and Teacher Assistant.
• Attends staff meetings, in-service trainings, and other appropriate child development conferences and workshops.
• Assists in planning, preparing, and implementing developmentally appropriate activities for small and large groups of children.
• Encourages parents to become involved in the classroom, as well as the Parent Policy Committee.
• Conducts child health checks, documents findings, and follows-up with the Teacher as needed.
• Participates in annual parent orientation/open house and at least two parent meetings each year.

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, all Gads Hill Center employees are responsible for the following:

• Participate in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends.
• Participates in supervision meetings and workshops within the agency and outside (if applicable).
• Participates in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of Gads Hill Center.
• Advance parent leadership development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 
  High School Diploma required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• One (1) year previous direct early childhood classroom experience with low-income families preferred.
• Experience with multi-cultural programming preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds (average childs weight).
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organization skills.
• Ability to pass a criminal record and child abuse/neglect registry check.
• A passion for the mission of Gads Hill Center.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Salaries
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 403B Plan (Up to 5% match following 2 years of employment)
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer Paid Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Supplemental Coverage Options Available