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

Who We AreNorth 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, ILChicago Youth Centers - Sidney Epstein Youth Center, 3415 W. 13th Place, Chicago, ILGads Hill Center, 2653 West Ogden Avenue, Chicago ILNorth Lawndale YMCA, 3449 W. Arthington St, Chicago, ILWhat You'll DoUnder 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.What You'll Own (The "What")Establish and Communicate High Expectations for Young ChildrenCommunicate and demonstrate a belief that every child is capable, competent, and able to learnSupport children's growth and development using age-appropriate goals and strategiesHold a clear mission and values orientation aligned with North Lawndale's collective visionPromote access to rich learning experiences that reflect the culture and communities of North LawndaleServe as a Relationship BuilderFoster warm, responsive relationships with children to promote trust, belonging, and secure attachmentFoster a positive classroom where children feel emotionally safe and socially connectedPartner effectively with families as co-educators, honoring their expertise and cultural knowledgeWork collaboratively with a diverse team to design positive learning experiences for all childrenBuild meaningful partnerships with the community to assist families with their goals and needs with resources.Engage in Reflective LearningEngage in ongoing reflection to strengthen practice and deepen understanding of early childhood developmentUse assessment, observation and a growth mindset to better inform classroom instruction and children's needsRemain open to sharing and accepting new ideasParticipate in professional learning aligned to high quality early childhood practicesLead through Cultural ResponsivenessCreate learning environments that affirm and honor children's cultures, languages and family identitiesUse culturally relevant and responsive classroom materials, stories and interactions to reflect the community's history and strengthsPossess a deep understanding of inclusive, fair and child-centered practices to contribute to children's successModel a belief in the humanity of all of our children and familiesCommit fiercely to improving outcomes for children-specifically underserved Black childrenRequirementsWhat You'll Need to be Successful (The "How")Inclusive & Whole Child VisionEmbrace a vision anchored in whole child development, and culturally responsive carePrioritize developmentally appropriate, child centered practices grounded in early learningCenter relationships, family engagement, and intentional teachingDemonstrate a knowledge of and passion for early childhood teaching and learningDevelopmentally Appropriate InstructionApply 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 activitiesLearning Environment Design and Classroom ManagementCreate a safe, nurturing, visually appealing classroom environment that encourages exploration and mastery of age appropriate skillsPrioritize consistent routines, and expectations that promote self regulation and positive social interactionsDemonstrate knowledge of and support for children's social emotional development through modeling, responsive caregiving and proactive guidanceLicense RequirementsTeacher 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.Benefits