Description

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities? Join our team at the Chinese American Service League and be a part of a transformative journey!

Your Mission:

As a Paraprofessional at the Chinese American Service League, you will report to the Associate Director of Children's Services and support classroom personnel in including children with disabilities in daily classroom activities. This role adheres to the Head Start Performance Standards, ensuring every child's needs are met with care and attention.

About CASL:

The Chinese American Service League is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to empowering and serving the Chinese American population and the broader communities. Established with a rich history spanning several decades, CASL has consistently evolved to address the evolving needs of its constituents while fostering cultural pride, integration, and community development.

For over 45 years, CASL's comprehensive programs have connected families and individuals with the vital support they need: providing an educational and cultural foundation for our children, ensuring our seniors live full and independent lives with dignity, enhancing education and training for tomorrow's workforce, putting immigrants on the pathway to citizenship, securing our community's housing and financial well-being, navigating healthcare systems and wellness resources, and providing equal access to justice. Since our founding, CASL has been rooted in the principles of equity and justice. That legacy continues to shape our efforts today as we strive to champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at all levels of the organization. 

To hear about:

• CASL's history, watch here
• CASL's future, watch here

Your Impact:

As a Paraprofessional you will:

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with classroom teaching teams to ensure the education, health, safety, and inclusion of children with disabilities.
• Implement appropriate modifications and accommodations for children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with teaching teams.
• Assist in implementing curriculum for all children.
• Observe and provide feedback on children’s progress for planning and assessment purposes.
• Support classroom staff in communicating with parents.
• Share responsibility for classroom maintenance and orderliness.
• Participate in professional development, including necessary trainings and program meetings.
• Engage in agency and community activities related to children and families.
• Maintain confidentiality of information according to CASL policies and State of Illinois regulations.

Must Haves

To thrive in this role, you should have:

• Two years of college with six credit hours in early childhood education.
• One year of experience in a preschool classroom.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Nice to Haves

• An Associate of Arts degree in early childhood or an earned CDA is a plus.
• Ability to speak and/or write in Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin) is preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Occasionally lifting or moving objects weighing about 15 pounds.

Environment and Scheduling:

• Work is generally conducted in a classroom and outdoor setting.
• Work hours are between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday.
• Flexibility to work after regular business hours when necessary (e.g., weekends and evenings) to accommodate family and program needs.

Why Choose CASL:

Inclusivity: Join an organization that values mutual respect and acceptance, fostering a culture of inclusivity.

Empowerment: Support staff empowerment through skill development and growth opportunities.

Collaboration: Be part of a workplace that thrives on collaboration and teamwork.

Transformation: Envision and realize transformative changes in people, processes, and policies.

Resiliency: Work with a dynamic workforce and model resiliency to achieve collective strengths.

Benefits:

Join CASL and unlock a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your loved ones. As a full-time employee, you'll enjoy a range of options tailored to your needs: Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage; Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA); Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Disability Insurance; Voluntary Worksite Benefits, Pet Insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

Additionally, our holiday schedule includes New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Chinese New Year, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous People’s Day, Thanksgiving, the Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.

Join Us and Make a Difference:

Join us at CASL, where together, we create a brighter future for our community.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Each resume is reviewed personally by our dedicated team members, not AI. This thorough and thoughtful evaluation process may take a bit of time, so we kindly ask for your patience. Rest assured, we will get back to you as soon as we have an update on your application status. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to reviewing your application.

At CASL, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive success. If you're excited about the opportunity but unsure if you meet every requirement listed, we still encourage you to submit your application. Our company culture thrives on the unique talents and experiences that each individual brings to the table. We're looking for the right fit, and that goes beyond a checklist of qualifications. Join us in shaping a dynamic and inclusive team where your skills and contributions truly matter.

CASL is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.