START EARLY·Waukegan, Illinois
Collaborate with the teaching team to plan and implement developmentally appropriate educational programs for children from birth to five. Support child development through observation, documentation, and the maintenance of a safe, stimulating classroom environment.
Description We are hiring in Waukegan, IL
Start Early Lake County provides high-quality care, best-in-class education, and a stimulating learning environment to children from birth to five years old. As a program that serves low-income families, Start Early’s research-based program helps children develop the literacy, language, early math, and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning, and communication.
The Teacher Aide works cooperatively with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the reflective supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Teacher Aide will support the Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant in ensuring that all classroom activities and the environment are developmentally appropriate and meet the individual needs of children as mandated by federal, state and local standards and that they reflect the agency’s philosophy and curriculum.
Administrative
Responsibilities: Accurately complete all required program documentation and submit in a timely manner to the Lead Teacher. Participate in recruitment efforts to help maintain full program enrollment. As assigned by the Lead teacher, monitor and ensure that daily attendance, health checks, parent sign/scan in, and meal participation reports are completed daily. Read and respond to Outlook emails daily.
Child
Development: Support Lead and Assistant teachers by observing and documenting children’s health, skills, behavior, growth and development as needed. Adhere to all IEP, IFSP, IHP Implementation Plans and/or strategies provided by Education Managers and/or Consultants. Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success. Participate in Family/Child Reviews. Identify any developmental concerns regarding the children and follow agency protocol.
Curriculum and
Assessment: In conjunction with the classroom teaching team, plan and implement developmentally appropriate experiences that will promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child. Contribute to the development of lesson plans with goals, objectives, experiences and outcomes for children. In conjunction with the classroom teaching team utilize standardized and authentic assessment data to create learning opportunities to advance children’s development and learning. Develop and maintain observation, technological and individualization skills required for assessment and lesson planning, including completing all assigned TSG modules and trainings. Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a classroom environment that ensures appropriate child guidance and discipline techniques are implemented in accordance with Educare’s philosophy, curriculum, policies and procedures, Head Start standards, Start Early standards of conduct and state regulations.
Classroom
Environment: In conjunction with the classroom teaching team maintain a classroom environment which includes positive guidance techniques, that meets state and local licensing regulations, Head Start Program Performance Standards and, program curriculum (Creative Curriculum) and approach (New Beginnings & Erikson Early Math Lessons) into individualized and group learning opportunities. In conjunction with the teaching team maintain a classroom environment that reflects the use of “New Beginnings” and follows the guidelines of ITERS or ECERS.
Parent
Involvement: In conjunction with the classroom teaching team, encourage parent participation in the program, including participation in parent events, home visits, conferences, and volunteering in the classroom. Develop positive and effective partnerships with families using the Touchpoints Approach (once trained). Hold friendly daily conversations with families and maintain professional boundaries. Participates in family engagement and recruitment events.
Follow all mandates of federal regulations, state and local licensing and the Start Early’s philosophy, agency policies and procedures, curriculum and Standards of Conduct. Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and trainings, and reflective supervision. Perform other duties as assigned, within the scope of the job description. Administer medication as needed (ex. Nebulizer treatment, Epipen).
Virtual
Learning: Develop a partnership with families to plan activities and to collect information about the child’s developmental progress. Maintain a center based and virtual classroom, with children enrolled in both program options. Partner with Family Support Specialists to conduct interdisciplinary virtual programming and promote family engagement opportunities. Follow the guidance of the lead teacher in implementing virtual learning experiences.
A minimum of six months experience in an early childhood program. High School Diploma or G.E.D. with thirty (30) semester hours of college coursework which includes fifteen (15) semester hours of Child Development or Early Childhood Education coursework of which six (6) hours cover infant/toddler development, and six months of experience working in an early childhood or child care program. OR High School Diploma or G.E.D. with a non-expired Birth - 5 CDA Certification for Infant/Toddler development, and six months of experience working in an early childhood or child care program. OR Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education with a minimum of two courses in Infant/Toddler Development.
$32,332.08 - $34,320.00 + $1,500 Sign On Bonus We believe that all employees should be paid fairly. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.
Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.
Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
Market context
Illinois classroom teacher roles are typically in steady demand, especially in districts seeking candidates who can support diverse student needs and communicate clearly with families and staff. This type of role is competitive because employers often look for classroom experience plus related backgrounds such as sociology, psychology, counseling, or education, and bilingual skills in English, Spanish, or Portuguese can strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your resume to highlight public speaking experience and weekend availability if you have it.