Toddler Substitute Teacher Assistant - 2024/25 School Year

We are an independent, Montessori school in Chicago serving 560+ students and their families, starting at a parent-infant class and up to 8th grade. We are a community of shared values working to fulfill a meaningful mission. NNM faculty, staff and parents strive for an equitable and inclusive school culture through intentional, reflective practice. We work together to challenge all students to think for themselves, pursue their ideas and become real learners for the real world.

Learn more about us on our website: www.nnms.org

We are seeking a Toddler Substitute Assistant Teacher to join our Young Children's Community (YCC) here at Near North Montessori School for our upcoming 2024/25 School Year. This is a great opportunity to work with 0-3 year old students in a classroom with trained Montessori teachers supporting your growth and development. Substitute Assistant Teachers help students engage in meaningful work and maintain the classroom environment as a space that supports intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.

The Substitute Teacher Assistant is responsible for the well-being of the children in the classroom, as well as supporting the lead teacher with a variety of tasks, including classroom organization and playground supervision. The Substitute Teacher Assistant supports the students, teachers, and classrooms when there is a faculty absence or when additional resources are needed. They will work closely with their supervisor, the Academic Coach, to set up a daily schedule that meets the needs of the level they work with, and other areas as assigned.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with shifts falling between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm during the School Year, with adjustments or additional time as needed. This is a School Year role, starting in August and ending in mid June each year. There will be an opportunity to work summer camps if desired. We are searching for someone to start in August 2024 for our 2024/25 School Year!

Job responsibilities can include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist the lead teacher with all aspects of the classroom in a manner consistent with the philosophy and goals of NNM

• Implement activities that encourage each child’s growth in the areas of emotion, social, cognitive, creative, and physical development

• Take direction, accept constructive criticism, and feedback, and make improvements and changes as necessary for the betterment of the quality of the program

• Create and maintain an environment that is clean and safe for all children

• Establishing a professional level of rapport with each family to provide quality care for the children

• Perform extra-duty responsibilities assigned to the classroom teacher

• Report to the proper authority any pertinent information on the happenings of the day

• Use equipment and supplies safely and conscientiously, keeping the physical environment clean and orderly

• Assist with documentation of daily needs and observations

• Provide a safe and secure environment. Be familiar with emergency procedures

• Carry out all specific procedures and responsibilities as outlined by the NNM Staff Handbook and the lead teacher

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested

The weekly schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, with shifts falling between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, and may include required overnight/weekend/day class trips and after school camp/child care.

• High school diploma required, Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred

• Certified per DCFS standards for CPR/First Aid, Food Handler, and more. If candidate does not have current certificates, NNM may be able to provide these trainings; however, existing, current certifications are preferred

• Experience working with children 3 and under, preferably in an educational setting

• Effective communicator with children and adults

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a variety of situations, settings and environments

• Basic understanding of a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Experience with or understanding of Montessori a plus!

• Demonstrated ability to provide high level of support and assistance

• Physical ability and stamina to support small children throughout the day

• Flexible, patient, nurturing, and team-focused are desired qualities in our candidates

Full-time employment to start in August of 2024; however, we'd like to have this position filled by April of 2024.

• Pay Information: Eligible for a non-exempt salary, starting at $21 per hour.
• Benefits Information:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision packages available for both you and your dependents. HSA (health savings account) available as a tie-in to one level of medical plan.
  • Both individual and dependent FSA (flexible spending accounts) available.
  • Fully-funded short term disability and individual life insurance available, with option to upgrade to long term disability and group life insurance for an additional cost.
  • Robust paid time off policy that includes at least 10 paid days off per School Year.
  • Paid school holidays can add up to 25 extra paid days off per year.
  • 403b retirement planning available, with a company match of 100% up to 6%.
  • Access to an EAP (employee assistance program) that provides up to 6 free consultations per year on a variety of life concerns.
  • Suite of voluntary benefits available, such as pre-tax transit deductions, pet insurance, accident & critical illness insurance, and more.