BLACK RHINO INC·Chicago, Illinois
The Teacher Assistant supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate educational experiences and assists with classroom instruction and child supervision. They are responsible for maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment and supporting children's cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.
Building Blocks Learning Academy is a childcare center serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
We believe in creating enriching classrooms that provide each of our children with a loving, dynamic, supportive experience.
We strive to develop and maintain a learning environment that provides the highest possible quality of childcare by supporting children, parents, and staff.
We make every effort to provide a superior childcare experience by instilling an atmosphere of harmony, respect, patience, honesty, trust, and friendship.
Our goals are to maintain a safe environment at all times, nurture, engage and enlighten families and staff, and to support and respect each child, family, staff member, and our surrounding community.
Under the supervision of the Site Director and the direction of the Lead Teacher, the Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate educational experiences that promote the cognitive, social-emotional, language, physical, and creative development of young children. This position assists with classroom instruction, child supervision, behavior support, individualized learning, and daily classroom operations while ensuring a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
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Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.
Experience
Minimum one (1) year of experience working with preschool or early childhood-aged children preferred.
Experience in Head Start, Preschool for All, childcare, or public school settings preferred.
Experience supporting children with diverse learning needs and/or IEPs is desirable.
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Knowledge, skills & abilities
Knowledge of child growth and development.
Ability to work effectively with young children from diverse backgrounds.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to collaborate as part of a professional educational team.
Ability to follow lesson plans while exercising sound judgment.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to remain calm, patient, and flexible in a fast-paced classroom environment.
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Lift up to 30 pounds.
Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, squat, crawl, and sit on the floor.
Stand and walk for extended periods.
Lift, carry, or assist children when necessary.
Assist with diapering, toileting, feeding, and other personal care needs.
Occasionally perform classroom cleaning duties.
Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Respond quickly during emergencies and behavioral incidents.
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Working conditions
Primarily performed in an early childhood classroom setting.
Regular exposure to classroom noise and active learning environments.
Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
May involve exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other communicable illnesses while following universal precautions.
May require physical intervention in accordance with district or program training and policies.
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Additional requirements
Successful completion of all required state and federal background checks.
Medical examination and TB screening as required by licensing regulations.
Compliance with all state licensing, Head Start, district, and program requirements.
Ongoing participation in required professional development and training.
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Compensation & benefits
Competitive salary based on education, licensure, experience, and assigned responsibilities.
Comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time employees.
Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and professional development opportunities.
Supportive team environment with opportunities for career growth.
Job Type: Full-time
Our Philosophy Building Blocks Learning Academy’s mission is to develop and foster the potential in every child through an enriched, nurturing and safe early learning environment. We create a partnership with families and our communities to develop confident children who are caring, capable and enthusiastic about the world around them. At Building Blocks Learning Academy, we believe in learning through play. We augment each day with our personalized curriculum which includes pre-literacy and reading, artistic expression, music, movement, science and exploration, and language.
When you join Building Bocks Learning Academy, you'll become part of a culture that values unique differences and celebrates the diversity of our children, families, and employees while encouraging our team members to reach their full potential.
Building Blocks Learning Academy is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination.
Market context
In Illinois, teaching assistant roles are commonly driven by school staffing needs in special education and general classroom support, especially where paraprofessional licensing is required. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for a valid TASN paraprofessional license, at least 60 semester hours or a paraprofessional exam, plus strong communication and knowledge of disabilities. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits from the original posting to save research time, then confirm your license status and readiness to follow classroom directions before applying.