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 Job Title: Teacher Assistant Home Office: Little Leaves Learning Center (LLLC)

• Vienna, IL Program(s): Little Leaves Learning Center (LLLC) is an early childhood education and child care program to support children’s growth, learning, and development. Planned services include infant and toddler care, preschool, and school-age programming in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that encourages social development, creativity, independence, and school readiness. The program will incorporate trauma-informed practices and Montessori-inspired learning elements while strengthening connections with families and community resources. Immediate Supervisor: Program Director
• Christie Rodgers Teacher Assistant Hours of Work: Full-Time: 40 hours/ week Monday
• Friday Toddler Teacher Assistant: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Part-Time: 20 hours/week Monday
• Friday Infant Teacher Assistant: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM Infant Teacher Assistant: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Toddler Teacher Assistant: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Toddler Teacher Assistant: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Two-Year-Old Teacher Assistant: 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM Two-Year-Old Teacher Assistant: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Preschool Teacher Assistant: 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM Preschool Teacher Assistant: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Float Teacher Assistant: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Teacher Assistant FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Teacher Assistant Minimum Qualifications : Minimum age of 18 required, High school diploma or GED required, must demonstrate emotional maturity, patience, respect for children and adults, good hygiene, responsiveness to children, sensitivity to cultural and individual differences, and use of positive guidance. Teacher Assistant Skills & Competencies: Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate learning activities. Basic knowledge of childcare practices, health, safety, and sanitation procedures. Demonstrates the ability to establish positive, nurturing relationships with children. Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, teachers, and staff. Skilled in working cooperatively as part of a classroom team. Patience, flexibility, and adaptability when working with young children. Strong observation and interpersonal skills. Ability to support classroom routines, learning activities, and transitions. Proficient in using positive behavior guidance and respond appropriately to children’s needs. Sensitivity to cultural, developmental, and individual differences among children. Ability to maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and supportive classroom environment. Teacher Assistant Special Requirements: Clear the Illinois State Police, FBI fingerprint, DCFS (CANTS/SACWIS) and Illinois Sex Offender Registry checks before working with children (89 Ill. Adm. Code 385; 407.110). Report any later charge, arrest or conviction to the Director immediately. Physical exam completed no more than 6 months before hire, including a Mantoux TB test; re-exam every 2 years (407.100(d), (f)). Three verified written character references, proof of education (transcripts or credentials) and verification of any experience used to qualify (407.120). Signed mandated reporter acknowledgment, Arrowleaf Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights Agreement, and LLLC statement of confidentiality. Gateways to Opportunity Registry membership within 30 days of hire (407.100(c)(5)). Must be 21 years of age to drive agency vehicles and transport children. Teacher Assistant Job duties include, but not limited to: 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. Teacher Assistant Benefit Package 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 Salary Range: $19.00 per hour *This is a bargaining unit, union position Questions? visit myarrowleaf.org/employment or call 618-658-3079 to learn more! Arrowleaf is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Arrowleaf will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources. Arrowleaf is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws regarding it. EEO is a set of standards that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information (including family history), order of protection status, or military status or unfavorable discharge from military service. The laws apply to all types of work situations, including recruiting, hiring, disciplinary actions, terminations, promotions, pay practices, training, wages, and benef its.