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Kindergarten Teacher Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Casa Central

Teacher Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

The Assistant Teacher works in collaboration with the Lead Teacher, parents/families, and other professionals to ensure that children are ready for success in kindergarten and beyond. Essential ...

DuPage County ROE

Kingergarten Teacher

Wheaton, IL

$57.22K/yr

Community Consolidated School District 89 is seeking a Kindergarten Teacher for Westfield ... vacant and the Assistant Superintendent for Learning of their interest in the position for ...

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How much do kindergarten teacher assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for kindergarten teacher assistant in Chicago, IL is $16.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Kindergarten Teacher s Assistant Do?

A kindergarten teacher’s assistant provides support to the teacher in a classroom. As a kindergarten assistant teacher, you work with five-year-old and six-year-old students. Your duties depend on the needs and lesson plans of the teacher. You typically help set up the classroom and obtain the necessary materials for the day. Your responsibilities also include cleaning and organizing after classes and maintaining student records. During the school day, you assist with lessons and help the children participate in classroom activities. You monitor behavior and participation and help children who need assistance or have behavioral issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant, you need a background in early childhood education, basic classroom management skills, and often a relevant certification such as a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Familiarity with educational software, learning management systems, and classroom technology is useful in supporting teachers and engaging young learners. Patience, effective communication, and a nurturing attitude are essential soft skills for building trust and fostering a positive classroom environment. These skills and qualities ensure that children receive appropriate support, guidance, and encouragement during their formative educational years.

What does a typical day look like for a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant, and how do they support the lead teacher?

A typical day for a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant involves helping set up classroom activities, supervising children during lessons and playtime, and providing individual attention to students who need extra support. They assist the lead teacher with classroom management, facilitate group projects, and help with daily routines such as snack time and cleanup. Teacher Assistants often prepare learning materials and may communicate with parents about student progress. Collaboration with the lead teacher and other staff is essential to create a positive and productive learning environment.

What are Kindergarten Teacher Assistants?

Kindergarten Teacher Assistants are educational professionals who support classroom teachers in managing and instructing young children, typically aged 5 to 6, in a kindergarten setting. Their duties often include helping prepare learning materials, assisting with classroom activities, supervising students, and providing individual attention to children who need extra help. They play a key role in creating a positive and safe learning environment, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to succeed. Additionally, they may help with administrative tasks and communicate with parents about students' progress.

What is the difference between Kindergarten Teacher Assistant vs Preschool Teacher Assistant?

AspectKindergarten Teacher AssistantPreschool Teacher Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer CDA or equivalentHigh school diploma; CDA preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic or private elementary schools, kindergarten classroomsPreschools, early childhood education centers
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutionsPreschools, daycare centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for early childhood support rolesSimilar roles in early childhood education

The main difference between a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant and a Preschool Teacher Assistant lies in the work environment and age group served. Kindergarten Teacher Assistants support children in kindergarten classrooms, focusing on early elementary education, while Preschool Teacher Assistants work with younger children in preschool settings. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in early childhood education, but they serve different age groups and educational stages.

More about Kindergarten Teacher Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kindergarten Teacher jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Kindergarten Teacher jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Kindergarten Teacher Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Kindergarten Teacher Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kindergarten Teacher Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Kindergarten Teacher Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Kindergarten Teacher Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Kindergarten Teacher Assistant job openings:
Kindergarten Teacher Assistant jobs near you
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

The Gardner School

Chicago, IL • On-site

$19.55 - $24.15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

The Gardner School rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 21 rated private schools and tutoring

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
We're Hiring! Join our team as a Lead Teacher at The Gardner School of Bucktown!
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Pre-kindergarten Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Bucktown, we believe learning begins with love - for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellence
  • Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School's core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference
  • Build meaningful relationships with families and children
  • Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity
  • Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment

What We Offer:
  • Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $19.55-$24.15 per hour, based on education and experience
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within our growing organization

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
  • CDA or Associate's degree with at least 6 credit hours in ECE (required); Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree with at least 6 credit hours in ECE (preferred)
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

Experience:
  • 2+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead experience preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements:
  • Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required)
  • Regular and reliable attendance.
  • Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required)
  • Active engagement throughout the day including standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to ~60 lbs.
  • Ability to fulfill cognitive and interpersonal aspects of a classroom leadership including speaking, hearing, reading, writing, focusing attention, and building relationships
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.

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