Part-Time Assistant Teacher – 2s Classroom

Location: Bennett Day School (Chicago, IL)

Position Type: Part-Time (Mon–Fri, 12:00 PM – 5:45 PM)

Additional Hours: Opportunities for full-day hours during "Day-Off Camps" when regular school is not in session

About the Role

Bennett Day School is seeking a warm, enthusiastic, and dedicated Assistant Teacher to join our Early Childhood team in the 2-Year-Old (2s) Classroom. In our Reggio Emilia–inspired, project-based environment, assistant teachers play a vital role in nurturing toddlers' curiosity, supporting social-emotional growth, and helping build a safe, joyful classroom community.

Schedule & Availability

• Standard Schedule: Monday through Friday, 12:00 PM to 5:45 PM (afternoon dismissal and extended care support).
• Bonus Hours Opportunity: Potential for full-day shifts on designated "Day-Off Camp" days when regular school is closed but coverage/camp care is provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Lead Teacher to support daily routines, active project exploration, sensory play, and neighborhood walks.
• Assist with classroom transitions, snack/mealtime setup, self-care routines (including diapering/toilet learning support), and dismissal.
• Provide active, attentive supervision to ensure child safety and support positive peer interactions in a group setting.
• Help maintain an organized, inviting, and clean learning environment aligned with early childhood safety standards.

Qualifications & DCFS Requirements (Illinois Rule 407)

To comply with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS Rule 407) licensing standards for early childhood centers, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Age & Education: Must be at least 19 years of age and hold a High School Diploma or GED (College coursework or credentials in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Gateways membership preferred).
• Background Clearances: Must successfully pass all DCFS-mandated background checks, including FBI/State fingerprinting, Central Register (CANTS), and Sex Offender registry checks prior to unsupervised work.
• Health & Medical Clearance: Must provide proof of a current physical exam, negative TB test, and required immunizations as mandated by Illinois DCFS.
• Required Pre-Service & Safety Trainings: Must hold or complete required DCFS life-safety certifications upon hire, including Mandated Reporter Certification, Pediatric CPR and First Aid, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) / Safe Sleep training, Abusive Head Trauma training, and completion of 15 annual hours of in-service early childhood professional development / Gateways registration.

Preferred Experience & Qualities

• Prior experience working with toddlers/2-year-olds in a licensed daycare, preschool, or group setting.
• Deep patience, empathy, and strong communication skills with young children, colleagues, and parents.
• Experience or interest in progressive, Reggio Emilia, or project-based early childhood education models.