North Lawndale Early Learning Center Teacher Assistant (Level 4/Infant Toddler)

Alma Advisory Group•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Who We Are North Lawndale is a vibrant and historically significant neighborhood on Chicago's west side, with roots dating back to the civil rights movement and Great Migration. This community has been home to transformative leaders, cultural innovators, and generations of families who have built a strong foundation of resilience and hope. Today, North Lawndale is home to award winning, high quality early childhood programs and centers that reflect the community's commitment to educational excellence. Organizations like the Steans Family Foundation, the North Lawndale Neighborhood Roundtable and the North Lawndale Coordinating Council exemplify the spirit of collaboration and community driven change that defines this neighborhood. We are inspired by the ongoing investments in housing, commercial development, and community centers featuring technology and arts programming which are designed to honor North Lawndale’s legacy while building toward a thriving future. Early childhood educators play an essential role in shaping joyful, inclusive and culturally responsive early learning spaces that nurture the whole child. The participating Early Learning Centers in North Lawndale are: Carole Robertson Center, North Lawndale, 3701 West Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL Chicago Youth Centers - Sidney Epstein Youth Center, 3415 W. 13th Place, Chicago, IL Gads Hill Center, 2653 West Ogden Avenue, Chicago IL North Lawndale YMCA, 3449 W. Arthington St, Chicago, IL What You’ll Do Under the supervision of center Site Directors, educators in North Lawndale’s early childhood programs design and facilitate developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences. Teachers nurture children’s curiosity, support their emerging skills, partner with families, and work collaboratively with team members to build a thriving early learning classroom, center, and community.

Requirements

Inclusive & Whole Child Vision
Embrace a vision anchored in whole child development, and culturally responsive care
Prioritize developmentally appropriate, child centered practices grounded in early learning Center relationships, family engagement, and intentional teaching
Demonstrate a knowledge of and passion for early childhood teaching and learning
Developmentally Appropriate Instruction
Apply a deep understanding of early childhood development to implement engaging, hands on, play-based learning experiences.
Individualize, and differentiate child learning through play-based, language rich, and technology appropriate activities
Learning Environment Design and Classroom Management
Create a safe, nurturing, visually appealing classroom environment that encourages exploration and mastery of age appropriate skills
Prioritize consistent routines, and expectations that promote self regulation and positive social interactions
Demonstrate knowledge of and support for children’s social emotional development through modeling, responsive caregiving and proactive guidance
Teacher Assistants must have an Associates Degree or 60 hours of college credit from an accredited higher education institution.
Teacher Assistants must be possess or be on the path toward a Level 4 Infant/Toddler Gateway Credential.

Responsibilities

Establish and Communicate High Expectations for Young Children
Communicate and demonstrate a belief that every child is capable, competent, and able to learn
Support children’s growth and development using age-appropriate goals and strategies
Hold a clear mission and values orientation aligned with North Lawndale’s collective vision
Promote access to rich learning experiences that reflect the culture and communities of North Lawndale
Serve as a Relationship Builder
Foster warm, responsive relationships with children to promote trust, belonging, and secure attachment
Foster a positive classroom where children feel emotionally safe and socially connected
Partner effectively with families as co-educators, honoring their expertise and cultural knowledge
Work collaboratively with a diverse team to design positive learning experiences for all children
Build meaningful partnerships with the community to assist families with their goals and needs with resources.
Engage in Reflective Learning
Engage in ongoing reflection to strengthen practice and deepen understanding of early childhood development
Use assessment, observation and a growth mindset to better inform classroom instruction and children's needs
Remain open to sharing and accepting new ideas
Participate in professional learning aligned to high quality early childhood practices
Lead through Cultural Responsiveness
Create learning environments that affirm and honor children’s cultures, languages and family identities
Use culturally relevant and responsive classroom materials, stories and interactions to reflect the community’s history and strengths
Possess a deep understanding of inclusive, fair and child-centered practices to contribute to children’s success
Model a belief in the humanity of all of our children and families
Commit fiercely to improving outcomes for children–specifically underserved Black children