For the 2026-2027 school year, the JCC Chicago seeks two (2) dynamic, dedicated Assistant Teachers to join our amazing team at our Z Frank Apachi location, to start in August of 2026! Be part of a team of educators, social workers and specialists who support the whole child through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that embraces Jewish life and complements what happens at home.

Classrooms are the first community. When we speak about community, we speak about places of sharing, learning, growing and connection. We are committed to excellence, providing strong professional development opportunities and nature-inspired classrooms that allow our staff to be their most creative selves! With our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest DCFS standards, we are looking for those who are enthusiastic about guiding each child to reach their full potential.

Job Summary:    

The Assistant Teacher is a critical member of a team of educators, social workers and specialists who support the whole child through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that embraces Jewish life and complements what happens at home.

As a Reggio Emilia inspired Early Childhood program, we support the individual needs and abilities of each of our students through an emergent, play-based curriculum. We are looking for professional educators who are interested in growing with us!

Key areas of responsibility:

• Be responsible for the safety and welfare of the children, supervising all children by sight and sound.
• Work with your teaching team to implement a program that includes elements of the JCC’s integrated secular and Jewish curriculum.
• Provide and maintain an atmosphere which is conducive to emotional and cognitive growth.
• Establish and maintain good communication and strong sense of community with director, staff, and parents.
• Make families feel welcome by greeting them personally by name and be able to share specific information regarding their child.
• Foster a collaborative, team-focused atmosphere, both in the classroom, teaching site, and the agency as a whole.
• Actively participate a minimum of 15 hours in staff meetings, trainings, and on-going development opportunities.
• Work with your teaching team to maintain DCFS and Illinois state standards.

Additional responsibilities:

• Responsible for contributing to written and photo content of all newsletters, portfolios, and mass communications to classroom families.
• Participates in regular, and meaningful, communication with families, including, but not limited to, in-person conversations/meetings, virtual meetings, emails, Kaymbu communication, bi-yearly parent-teacher conversations, and portfolios.
• Assists in and has a global awareness of all aspects of the teaching position including classroom management, daily tasks, social-emotional needs of children, moving effectively through daily schedule, adjusting to the needs in the classroom.
• Demonstrates awareness of classroom environment, and physically moving through the spaces.
• Assists in classroom set up and preparation of lesson plans created by lead teacher.
• Always maintains respect for children and team.
• Follows and assists in successfully implementing guidelines set forth by the Social Services department when raising any concerns about a child’s development or behavior in a classroom setting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Essential Job Duties/Physical Duties:

• Must be able to lift and move with children (up to 40lbs.)
• Must demonstrate physical stamina and agility including the ability to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
• Demonstrated ability to move from sitting (on chair or floor) to standing position easily and quickly;
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and be able to run and be actively engaged physically with children.
• Must be able to respond to emergency situations, moving from sitting to standing, carrying children up to 40lbs and running quickly and effectively.
• Must be able to supervise children by sight and sound.
• Ability and willingness to be in the pool with children participating in swim programs.

Days/Hours:

M-F, various shifts available.

Position will start in August of 2026.

Job Category:
Union Professional                

Salary Range:
$16.32 to $25.50               

Education Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age with a high school degree or GED.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated passion for working with young children.
• Child development experience in a preschool, kindergarten or licensed day care program, from birth to age six preferred.

Employee Benefits: 

JCC Chicago offers an array of benefits to full time union staff, depending on number of hours worked, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Participation in a retirement plan with matching contributions
• Life insurance and short/long term disability coverage
• Vacation time, sick time, and paid observance of secular and Jewish religious holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

*Part time staff may be eligible for some benefits such as sick time and vacation time, depending on number of hours worked.

Uniquely JCC Benefits

• Free fitness membership at JCC Chicago community centers and aquatics facilities
• Meaningful discounts on JCC Chicago programming, including day and overnight camp, Early Childhood, and event rentals
• Professional development opportunities with the JUF/Jewish Federation
• Tuition Assistance Program

JCC Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual preference, gender identity or expression, marital status, apparent or non-apparent disability, veteran’s status, or unfavorable discharge from military service in accordance with state and federal laws.

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