Assistant Teacher

Job Title: Assistant Teacher – Early Childhood Education ($15–$18/hr + Benefits)
Location: Oswego, IL
Schedule: Full-Time / Part-Time | Monday–Friday, shifts between 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM
Pay: $15.00 – $18.00 per hour

Love working with kids? Come grow your career with us.

At Children of America (COA), you won't just watch children. You'll help shape how they learn, play, and grow. As an Assistant Teacher, you'll work alongside experienced educators in a supportive classroom. We'll invest in your training, and you'll have a clear path to becoming a Lead Teacher.

No degree required. If you have a high school diploma, a big heart, and a desire to grow, we want to meet you.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• 50% off childcare for your own children
• Paid education: tuition assistance and T.E.A.C.H. scholarship partnerships
• Real career growth: we promote from within, and many of our leaders started in the classroom
• Full benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Referral bonuses and employee recognition programs
• A culture where you can bring your whole self to work

About Children of America

Children of America brings together a diverse mix of people, principles, and pride. We serve children from 6 weeks to 12 years old across Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp programs. Your unique perspective and experience make our team stronger.

What You'll Do

• Bring daily lesson plans to life with creativity and energy
• Help build a safe, structured, and positive classroom environment
• Set age-appropriate expectations that help children succeed
• Use technology to document and share children's progress with families
• Communicate warmly and professionally with parents, children, and teammates
• Show empathy for children's emotions and families' needs
• Learn and grow toward a Lead Teacher role

Who You'll Work With

Every day you'll connect with children, parents, teaching staff, and center leadership as part of a collaborative team.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or GED
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers
• Flexibility and a calm approach in challenging moments
• Eagerness to learn and grow professionally
• Preferred but not required: childcare experience, CDA credential, or ECE coursework

Our Values

• Accountability: We own our actions, learn from mistakes, and uphold COA's mission.
• Collaboration: We find solutions that work for everyone.
• Growth Mindset: We treat challenges as chances to learn.
• Integrity: We make ethical decisions that consider everyone affected.
• Consistency: We give children and families continuity of care and clear expectations.

Ready to make a difference every day? Apply today. Our hiring process is quick, and we'd love to meet you!

Compensation: The hourly pay range for this position is $15.00 to $18.00. Final compensation is based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. This role may also be eligible for performance-based incentives or other benefits.

Children of America is committed to fair and transparent hiring practices. This job description is intended to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state-specific pay transparency regulations. The listed responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation range reflect the essential functions and expectations of the role.

Children of America is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.