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Jobs at Mary Crane Center (Now Hiring) — 2 open

Mary Crane Center logoMary Crane Center

Teacher Assistant Head Start 3-5

Chicago, Illinois, United States · On-site

$42k–$52k/yr

Entry level

Description Make a difference in a child’s future, every single day. Are you passionate about helping young children grow, learn, and thrive? Do you believe in the power of play, learning through experience, and strong f…

Skills: Early childhood education, Child development, Classroom management, Lesson planning, Communication

Mary Crane Center logoMary Crane Center

Teacher Assistant (0–3)

Chicago, Illinois, United States · On-site

$42k–$52k/yr

Entry level

Description $1,000 Sign-On Bonus + Full Benefits + Supportive Team We’re hiring Teacher Assistants for our Early Head Start (0–3) classrooms. This role is hands-on, meaningful, and best suited for someone who enjoys work…

Skills: Child Care, Early Childhood Education, Classroom Management, Relationship Building, Teamwork

Mary Crane Center logo

Teacher Assistant Head Start 3-5

Mary Crane Center

Chicago, Illinois, United States • On-site

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Entry level

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  • $42k–$52k/yr
  • Full-time
  • associate degree
  • Medical insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Paid time off, Employee wellness programs, Sign-on bonus
  • Posted 94d ago
  • ~40 hrs/week

Responsibilities

The Teacher Assistant will support the Lead Teacher in implementing age-appropriate activities and maintaining a safe, organized classroom environment. They are also responsible for observing child development, documenting progress, and collaborating with families through conferences and home visits.

Requirements

Candidates must hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or have 60 credit hours with 15 in early childhood education. A Gateways ECE Credential Level 4 is also required, along with the ability to perform physical tasks like lifting 30 lbs.

Full job description

Description

Make a difference in a child’s future, every single day. Are you passionate about helping young children grow, learn, and thrive? Do you believe in the power of play, learning through experience, and strong family partnerships? If so, we’d love to welcome you to our team as a Teacher Assistant in our Early Childhood and Head Start programs. New hires are eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus (terms apply).

You’ll work side-by-side with a Lead Teacher to create joyful, developmentally rich classrooms where children feel safe, seen, and supported. This is more than a job, it’s a chance to shape lives, spark learning, and support families in your community.

What You'll Do

Support Learning & Play

  • Help implement engaging, age-appropriate activities using Creative Curriculum and Head Start standards
  • Supervise and interact with children during classroom time, meals, and play
  • Model respectful, positive behavior and guide children with gentle, consistent discipline
  • Promote family-style dining and healthy habits

Observe & Celebrate Growth

  • Assist with regular developmental assessments using tools like Creative Curriculum Checklists and Ages & Stages Questionnaires
  • Capture learning moments through observation notes, photos, and child portfolios

Collaborate with Families

  • Help coordinate and attend parent-teacher conferences and home visits
  • Communicate daily with parents about classroom routines, activities, and their child’s progress
  • Support families in engaging with the program and advocating for their child

Keep Our Classrooms Thriving

  • Assist with planning and preparing lesson materials
  • Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized learning space
  • Sanitize toys, surfaces, and equipment daily

Be a Team Player

  • Work closely with the Lead Teacher, Site Director, and other staff members
  • Mentor volunteers, teacher aides, and foster grandparents
  • Attend trainings, team meetings, and agency events as required

Requirements

Education & Experience:

  • Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, OR 60 credit hours of which 15 hours are in early childhood 
  • Gateways ECE Credential Level 4

Skills & Qualifications:

  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal); bilingual in Spanish preferred
  • Passion for early childhood development and family engagement
  • Collaborative, flexible, and open to feedback
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and committed to high-quality work
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work on the floor with children
  • Willingness to travel locally for home visits and meetings as needed

Why Join Us

  • Mission-driven work with real impact on children and families
  • Professional growth opportunities including CDA support, in-services, and workshops
  • Collaborative culture where your voice matters
  • Supportive leadership and experienced mentors

Compensation & Benefits
Mary Crane Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to medical, dental, and vision insurance (HMO, PPO, and DPPO options available), paid time off, and other employee wellness programs. Eligibility varies by position and hours worked. Additional benefit details will be provided during the hiring process.

Ready to inspire, nurture, and grow with us? Apply today and become part of a team that believes every child deserves a strong start.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law. To request accommodations, please contact 773-242-2881 x2866.

Related keywords

Early Childhood EducationHead StartCreative CurriculumChild DevelopmentAges & Stages QuestionnairesClassroom ManagementFamily EngagementLesson PlanningDevelopmental AssessmentsChild PortfoliosHome VisitsParent-teacher ConferencesGateways ECE CredentialCDA SupportInstructional Support

About Mary Crane Center

LinkedInVisit site
Industry
Education Administration Programs
Company size
51-200 employees
Founded
1907
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
LinkedIn followers
399

The Mary Crane Center promotes the comprehensive early development children aged six weeks to five years, through school-readiness programs, personal enrichment activities, and family support services at its four sites in the city of Chicago. The Center serves the children of low-income working parents, providing them with the essential components of a quality early childhood education: nurturing, qualified teachers; access and exposure to language tools; playtime that inspires child-to-child interaction; daily structured outdoor play; emphasis on healthy living; and a culturally rich and diverse classroom environment.

Offices: 2974 N. Cylbourn, Chicago, IL 60618, US

educationchild developmentearly literacysocial and emotional developmentpreschooland daycareChildrenEducationAssociation
View all jobs at Mary Crane Center

About Mary Crane Center

LinkedInVisit site
Industry
Education Administration Programs
Company size
51-200 employees
Founded
1907
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
LinkedIn followers
399

The Mary Crane Center promotes the comprehensive early development children aged six weeks to five years, through school-readiness programs, personal enrichment activities, and family support services at its four sites in the city of Chicago. The Center serves the children of low-income working parents, providing them with the essential components of a quality early childhood education: nurturing, qualified teachers; access and exposure to language tools; playtime that inspires child-to-child interaction; daily structured outdoor play; emphasis on healthy living; and a culturally rich and diverse classroom environment.

Offices: 2974 N. Cylbourn, Chicago, IL 60618, US

educationchild developmentearly literacysocial and emotional developmentpreschooland daycareChildrenEducationAssociation
View all jobs at Mary Crane Center

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