The Gardner School·Northbrook, Illinois
The Assistant Teacher will support the Lead Teacher in implementing age-appropriate curriculum and activities while ensuring a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for children. They are also responsible for collaborating with families and team members to maintain consistent care and professional standards.
It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Teacher to work in our State-of-the-Art facility.
At The Gardner School, you will be part of a caring, fun, dynamic group of professional teachers that thrive on providing exceptional educational experiences.
You will work in an environment that values your contributions and provides you with the resources you need to apply high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs.
Your experience and expertise are highly valued, your contributions are recognized, and your professional goals are supported.
If you have a desire and passion to make a difference in the lives of children and parents, The Gardner School is the place for you.
Key Responsibilities Classroom Support & Instruction Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing age-appropriate curriculum and activities that align with each child’s developmental needs.
Actively engage with children during play, learning activities, and transitions.
Offer nurturing guidance that supports each child’s emotional and behavioral development.
Help adapt activities based on observation of individual child interests and needs.
Environment & Daily Operations Ensure a clean, organized, and safe classroom by supporting daily routines, hygiene, and sanitation procedures.
Follow health and safety guidelines, including diapering, feeding, and supervising children at all times.
Help manage classroom materials and contribute to a calm, positive environment.
Family & Team Collaboration Maintain respectful, supportive relationships with parents and families.
Participate in ongoing communication and classroom updates as directed by the Lead Teacher.
Collaborate with teaching team members and school leaders to ensure consistency and support across classrooms.
Uphold a professional, team-oriented mindset at all times.
Compliance & Professionalism Adhere to all state licensing regulations and The Gardner School’s policies and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality regarding child and school information.
Demonstrate consistent, reliable attendance and a commitment to ongoing training and development.
High school diploma or equivalent (required). Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship (required). Ability to reliably community to school’s location. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports. Meet all applicable state licensing requirements for education and experience.
1+ years of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Passion for early childhood education and a nurturing, joyful approach to care. Interest in growing within a supportive, mission-driven preschool environment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with children, peers, and families. Basic understanding of early childhood development principles. Strong time management and multitasking abilities. Positive attitude and problem-solving mindset. Intermediate PC or administrative skills. Physical Requirements Frequently lifts or moves weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children and infants of 10 to 60 pounds. Ability to bend, reach, and move freely throughout the classroom. Ability to operate a computer, phone, and classroom/office equipment. Regular and reliable attendance. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. The Gardner School is an academically focused preschool for ages 6 Weeks to 5 Years. We have created a rich learning environment that stimulates our students’ physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We provide extensive training, orientation, and continuing education programs. We have locations in 8 states and are growing. We strongly believe in a strong internal path to promotions, rewarding our amazing teachers with opportunities to gain experience within our privately-owned company. Above all, we choose faculty members who love the early childhood profession and have a strong, positive curiosity about life that sparks confidence and joy in those around. The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. Preferred qualifications include at least one year of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Market context
In Illinois, assistant teacher roles are commonly tied to ongoing staffing needs in early childhood and school settings, especially for candidates who can meet state or accreditation requirements and stay active with children indoors or outdoors. These positions can be competitive because schools look for dependable, energetic applicants who can support daily routines and physical activity. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform, then confirm your credentials and experience match the posting before applying.