Teaching Assistant Jobs in Highland, IL (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $2,500.02 - $2,796.20 Monthly
Location : East St. Louis, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01400
Organization: Head Start
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Determined by Position
Description
Project Specialist Teacher Assistant/Aide II (AP27-004)
To build on a strong foundation of achievement and contribute to the realization of its ambitious institutional goals, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) invites applications for the position of Project Specialist Teacher Assistant/Aide II (AP27-004). As a premier metropolitan university, SIUE is committed to advancing social and economic mobility while shaping the workforce of the future. Grounded in a comprehensive, broad-based education and enriched by hands-on research opportunities, SIUE equips its students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global marketplace and positively impact their communities.
Why SIUE?
Employing more than 2,400 faculty and staff members, SIUE is one of the largest employers in the Metropolitan St. Louis area. A study by SIUE School of Business faculty shows the University has a $1.3 billion annual economic impact on the region. Each year, the University's presence generates almost 9,000 additional jobs and more than $250 million in labor income for the area.
What You Will Do

• Support the head teacher in creating a safe, loving, developmentally appropriate environment that promotes emotional/social growth and school readiness.
• Assist with developmentally appropriate instructional plans and engage with all children, including those with specialized needs.
• Promote positive behavior management in the classroom.
• Support developmental screenings, ongoing assessments, and recording of outcome data to inform future instruction.
• Participate in home visits and parent-teacher conferences as requested by the teacher.

About SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start
The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program is committed to ensuring children and families are engaged with highly qualified staff who have the heart, spirit, and knowledge base to support the achievement of children and families.
Head Start Teacher Assistant positions are nine- month (August - May), full-time positions, and serve children between the ages of three and five years of age. Early Head Start Teacher Assistant positions are twelve- month, full-time positions, and serve children between the ages of six weeks and thirty-six months of age. SIUE Head Start centers are located in Belleville, Cahokia, Caseyville, East St. Louis, Lebanon, and Lovejoy, Illinois. Final center assignments will be decided upon hire based on programmatic needs.
When submitting your application, please include:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Unofficial academic transcripts, including those for SIUE.
• PLEASE NOTE: All candidates must provide transcripts and/or certifications for minimum qualification verification.
• Three professional references with current contact information.

FLSA: Exempt
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
TIER I:
- Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
OR
TIER II:
- Possess a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state-awarded certificate
that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential;
or -
- Currently enrolled in a program that will lead to an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education having already completed
at least half (50%) of coursework. Demonstrate active enrollment each semester/term in the associates degree program from
the time of hire. Demonstrate successful completion and progress towards meeting the degree requirements at the end of
each semester/term. Courses taken need to count/accrue towards earning the qualified degree.
Salary Based on Qualifications Listed Below
Project Specialist Teacher Aide/Teacher Assistant I TIER I:
Monthly Salary
- Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
Teacher Aide I- 0 Years of Experience
$ 2,562.95
Teacher Aide I- 1-2 Years of Experience
$ 2,610.12
Teacher Aide I- 2-4 Years of Experience
$ 2,688.08
Teacher Aide I-4+Years of Experience
$ 2,796.20
Project Specialist Teacher Aide/Teacher Assistant II TIER II:
- Possess a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential;
-Or-
- Currently enrolled in a program that will lead to an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education having already completed
at least half (50%) of coursework. Demonstrate active enrollment each semester/term in the associates degree program from
the time of hire. Demonstrate successful completion and progress towards meeting the degree requirements at the end of
each semester/term. Courses taken need to count/accrue towards earning the qualified degree.
Teacher Aide II- 0 Years of Experience
$ 2,500.02
Teacher Aide II- 1-2 Years of Experience
$ 2,549.20
Supplemental Information
Application Materials and Information:

• To be eligible for the role, ensure that your application includes a complete and detailed employment history that highlights your relevant full-time and part-time work experience, including start and end dates of employment, and at least three professional references.
• You are strongly encouraged to submit a resume and/or cover letter to provide additional context and showcase your qualifications.
• Applicants who feel their credentials and prior experience align with the listed minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. In the application or within the cover letter and resume clearly describe how your credentials and relevant work experience align with the specified minimum requirements of the position.
• Applications must be submitted by the specified closing date no later than 11:59 p.m. CST.

Pre- Employment Screening:All external candidates who receive a job offer will be required to undergo pre-employment screening for this position. The screening process will encompass a criminal background check and, where applicable, other background checks such as a drug screen, verification of employment and education or licensure/certification, reference checks, and/or checks with relevant government registries. Please note that all job offers are contingent upon successful completion of the required screening process.
Additional Information:
Visa Sponsorship & F-1/J-1 Visas
SIUE will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States and visa sponsorship for this position will not be provided.
International students at SIUE on F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible for full-time or part-time civil service positions with permanent status.
E-Verify
SIUE is not currently enrolled in or participating in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program.
SIUE does not use E-Verify to electronically confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees through the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security databases. Therefore, the University cannot legally employ individuals who are on OPT STEM Extension, as we cannot provide an E-Verify case number, participation confirmation, or related documentation.
SIUE complies with all applicable federal employment eligibility verification requirements, including completion and maintenance of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, for all employees as required under the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).
Accommodation:If you are unable to utilize our online application system and need to request an accommodation, please reach out to us at 618-650-2190 or via email at
EEO Statement
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is an equal opportunity employer and thus prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment and students on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's status.
We value your interest and look forward to reviewing your application. For questions or more information, email: careerinfo@siue.edu
SIUE offers an exceptional array of benefits to all full-time and part-time employees (50% or more receive benefits accrued at the percentage of appointment) including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance;
• University tuition waivers (full-time employees receive 100% waiver of tuition)
• Life insurance;
• SURS retirement plan;
• Supplemental retirement savings plans;
• Paid vacation and sick leave accrual;
• Generous holiday schedule/paid holidays;
• WorkLife programs;
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health and wellness);
• Employee discounts (local and national retailers);
• Flexible Spending Account Program;

For more about our benefits and employee services, visit: