Teacher Assistant

About us:

When you join the Arrowleaf team, you are committing to a meaningful career where your work will make a difference for your neighbors throughout Southern Illinois and strengthen our region as a whole. You’ll have a chance to build well-being not just for the people you work with, but for yourself as well, as you gain life-changing experiences, enjoy highly competitive benefits, and experience unmatched opportunities for advancement.

Mission: Arrowleaf’s mission is to help all Southern Illinoisans reach their full potential. We provide resources and opportunities that support individuals of all ages so they can thrive, make our communities more vibrant, and build economic prosperity that benefits everyone.

Vision: We envision a Southern Illinois where all individuals are contributing to a community that is safe and vibrant for everyone.

Visit our website: myarrowleaf.org/employment to learn more about Arrowleaf

• Help maintain ratios and group sizes at all times, including outdoors, on field trips and during transitions; keep every child seen and/or heard and never leave children unattended.
• Help keep headcounts current at arrivals, departures and transitions.
• Avoid being alone with one child out of other staff's view when reasonably possible.
• Take part in all drills and know the classroom shelter location.
• Give first aid, complete Injury Reports, and report injuries, hazards and concerns to the Lead Teacher and Director right away
• Carry out activities the Lead Teacher plans; set up and clean up learning centers and materials.
• Join children in play, conversation and daily outdoor time; encourage self-help skills.
• Share observations and add Brightwheel documentation as the Lead Teacher direc
• Help with family-style CACFP meals and snacks (checking allergy postings first), diapering, toileting, handwashing, nap and dressing for outdoor play.
• In infant/toddler rooms, follow primary-caregiving assignments, safe sleep practices, holding infants for bottle feeding, breast milk labeling and storage, and daily feeding and diapering records.
• Clean and sanitize toys, surfaces and equipment on the classroom schedule.
• Follow the illness policy; do not give medication (Lead Teachers and the Director only). Apply sunscreen, repellent, ointment or toothpaste only with written parent authorization.
• Use positive guidance under the Pyramid Model; never use corporal punishment or humiliating, threatening, frightening or shaming techniques.
• Greet families warmly, follow release and pick-up ID procedures, and pass parent messages and concerns to the Lead Teacher and Director.
• Keep child and family information confidential; take or share photos only through Brightwheel with parent consent.
• Report suspected abuse or neglect personally and immediately to the DCFS Hotline, 1-800-252-2873, then notify the Director.
• Notify the Director directly of any absence or same-day call-off.

• Health, vision and dental insurance options available after 1st day of the month after 60 calendar days of employment (for full-time employees)
• Up to $50,000 life insurance policy (for full-time employees)
• 401(k) with company match for qualifying staff.
• Voluntary Benefits (Critical Illness, Short-Term disability, Accident/Incident, Hospital Indemnity) (for full-time employees)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Up to 376 hours of paid time off just within your first year of employment! Includes 13 paid holidays, up to 40 hours personal time, 12 sick days, 40 hours bereavement leave, 12 vacation days (6 month probation period), and 8 hours volunteer paid time off per year.
• Paid advanced trainings and certification opportunities
• Leadership & Advancement Opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• Additional opportunities for compensation are available above starting salary