Center For Teaching Learning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Nap Assistant

Reports to: Project Director

Job Type: Part-Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt)

Job Location: Northwest Suburbs.

Salary Range: $20.00 - $32.00 an hour

The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning – We Teach. They Soar: Who We Are:

The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning, is a nationally recognized, nonprofit professional development and educational services organization dedicated to better teaching and learning in early childhood, elementary, secondary and adult education. The Center also provides statewide communications support for schools and districts, assisting leaders with internal and external communication needs. At The Center, we oversee programs supporting high-quality education for at-risk students, including English Learners, young children facing challenges, and immigrant populations. Initiatives include adult education (Adult Learning Resource Center), early childhood services (Early Childhood Developmental Enrichment Center) including the Early Childhood Professional Development program, special needs support (Star Net Region II), professional development for diverse learners (Illinois Resource Center), and tech-based instructional assessments (Technology Center for Teaching and Learning).

Position Description – What the Role Entails:

• The Nap Assistant is responsible for supporting classroom staff by maintaining a safe, calm, and developmentally appropriate environment during children’s rest periods.
• This role assists with supervision, classroom organization, and transitions to ensure children’s physical and emotional needs are met during nap time.
• This role will report to the Classroom Teacher.

Company Culture - Do Our Values Speak to You?

At The Center, our commitment to mutual respect, inclusivity, and diversity is woven into the structure of all that we do. We value:

• Dedication - Embodying effective and transparent leadership and quality client care.
• Education – Preventative programming and clinical services based on industry standards, competence and outreach.
• Accountability – Consistent service delivery, measurable success, and sensible financial management.
• Advocacy – Empowerment, reduction of treatment stigma, and relationship building with partners.
• Compassion – Embracing culturally diverse communities and equality through sensitivity to individual needs.

With these values in mind, we promote a culture that fosters professional development and agency success. Many of our employees span an extended tenure, and we pride ourselves on developing dedicated and supported team members.

Areas of Accountability - What you will be doing:

• Classroom & Nap Time Support
• Prepare the classroom for nap time, including setting up cots or mats and organizing materials.
• Support children during transitions to and from nap time.
• Supervise children during rest periods to ensure safety and a calm environment.
• Provide comfort and reassurance to children as needed while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Assist with maintaining cleanliness and organization of nap material (cots, mats, bedding).
• Classroom & Program Support
• Assist classroom staff with light tasks during nap time, such as organizing materials or preparing for the next activity.
• Follow all ECDEC, DFS, and District health and safety policies.
• Communicate observations or concerns to classroom teachers or the ECDEC Team Leader
• All other duties as assigned.

The Center’s Work Environment – What to expect:

• Classroom-based early childhood setting during daily rest periods.
• Quiet, structured environment requiring consistent supervision.
• Collaboration with teachers, assistants, and program leadership.
• Physical activity including standing, walking, bending, and light lifting.
• Assist in toileting as needed.
• Schedule: Monday through Friday during standard business hours, occasional evenings or weekends as needed.

The Knowledge and Expertise that Matters Most - What you bring to the Role:

• Patience, calm demeanor, and ability to work effectively with young children.
• Strong awareness of safety and supervision requirements.
• Ability to follow routines, directions, and program policies consistently.
• Respect for children’s individual needs and developmental differences.
• Dependability, punctuality, and professionalism.

Position Qualifications – What is required to Perform the Role:

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience working with young children or in an early childhood setting is preferred.
• Ability to actively supervise children during rest periods.
• Ability to perform light physical tasks, including bending, lifting, and setting up cots or mats.
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Must meet all DCFS and program requirements for working with children, including background checks.