Teacher Assistant

Arrowleaf

. Help maintain ratios and group sizes at all times, including outdoors, on field trips, and during transitions .

Posted 10/17/2026part-timeVienna • Illinois • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $19 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates knowledge of child development and age-appropriate learning activities while maintaining a safe and nurturing classroom environment. Proficient in positive behavior guidance and effective communication with children, families, and staff.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Knowledge Of Child DevelopmentPositive Behavior GuidanceEffective CommunicationChildcare PracticesSafety And Sanitation Procedures

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

First AidInjury ReportingClassroom Routines SupportLearning Activities FacilitationBrightwheel Documentation

Soft Skills

PatienceFlexibilityInterpersonal SkillsTeam CollaborationNurturing Relationships

Tools & Technologies

Brightwheel

Certifications & Qualifications

Mandated Reporter AcknowledgmentGateways To Opportunity Registry Membership

Industry Keywords

CACFP MealsInfant/Toddler CareChild SafetyCultural SensitivityDCFS Compliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Help maintain ratios and group sizes at all times, including outdoors, on field trips, and during transitions
Keep every child seen and/or heard and never leave children unattended
Keep headcounts current at arrivals, departures, and transitions
Participate in drills and know the classroom shelter location
Give first aid, complete Injury Reports, and promptly report injuries, hazards, and concerns
Carry out Lead Teacher-planned activities; set up and clean up learning centers and materials
Join children in play, conversation, and outdoor time; encourage self-help skills
Share observations and add Brightwheel documentation as directed by the Lead Teacher
Help with family-style CACFP meals and snacks, diapering, toileting, handwashing, nap, and dressing for outdoor play
Follow primary-caregiving assignments, safe sleep practices, infant bottle feeding, breast milk labeling and storage, and feeding and diapering records in infant/toddler rooms
Clean and sanitize toys, surfaces, and equipment
Follow the illness policy; do not give medication
Apply sunscreen, repellent, ointment, or toothpaste only with written parent authorization
Use positive guidance under the Pyramid Model; never use corporal punishment or humiliating, threatening, frightening, or shaming techniques
Greet families, follow release and pick-up ID procedures, and pass messages and concerns to the Lead Teacher and Director
Keep child and family information confidential; use Brightwheel for photos only with parent consent
Report suspected abuse or neglect immediately to the DCFS Hotline, then notify the Director
Notify the Director of absences or same-day call-offs
Work under the supervision of the Program Director at Little Leaves Learning Center, supporting infant, toddler, two-year-old, preschool, or float classrooms

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum age of 18 required
High school diploma or GED required
Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate learning activities
Basic knowledge of childcare practices, health, safety, and sanitation procedures
Ability to establish positive, nurturing relationships with children
Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, teachers, and staff
Skilled in working cooperatively as part of a classroom team
Patience, flexibility, and adaptability when working with young children
Strong observation and interpersonal skills
Ability to support classroom routines, learning activities, and transitions
Proficient in using positive behavior guidance and responding appropriately to children’s needs
Sensitivity to cultural, developmental, and individual differences among children
Ability to maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and supportive classroom environment
Must clear Illinois State Police, FBI fingerprint, DCFS (CANTS/SACWIS), and Illinois Sex Offender Registry checks before working with children
Physical exam completed no more than 6 months before hire, including a Mantoux TB test; re-exam every 2 years
Three verified written character references
Proof of education and verification of any experience used to qualify
Signed mandated reporter acknowledgment and confidentiality agreements
Gateways to Opportunity Registry membership within 30 days of hire
Must be 21 years of age to drive agency vehicles and transport children

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, vision and dental insurance options available after 1st day of the month after 60 calendar days of employment (for full-time employees)
Up to $50,000 life insurance policy (for full-time employees)
401(k) with company match for qualifying staff
Voluntary Benefits (Critical Illness, Short-Term disability, Accident/Incident, Hospital Indemnity) (for full-time employees)
Mileage reimbursement
Up to 376 hours of paid time off just within your first year of employment, including 13 paid holidays, up to 40 hours personal time, 12 sick days, 40 hours bereavement leave, 12 vacation days (6 month probation period), and 8 hours volunteer paid time off per year
Paid advanced trainings and certification opportunities
Leadership & Advancement Opportunities
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
Additional opportunities for compensation are available above starting salary
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities