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Child Care Assistant Teacher

Bright Horizons · Itasca, IL · $15.65–$19.45 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your experience with infants, toddlers or preschoolers. Which age do you enjoy most and why?

What they are checking: Real experience with young children and honest self-knowledge about fit.

How would you share something a child did today with a parent at pickup?

What they are checking: Warm communication with families that builds trust and partnership.

Tell me about a time you helped a child calm down or work through a big feeling.

What they are checking: Whether they can guide a child through strong emotions with patience instead of punishment or impatience.

Why do you want to work in early childhood education?

What they are checking: Genuine motivation for working with young children, which helps them stay through hard days.

What would you do

How would you support the lead teacher during a busy part of the day?

What they are checking: Whether they anticipate needs and take initiative instead of waiting to be told.

An infant will not stop crying and you have other children to care for. What do you do?

What they are checking: Calm, caring problem solving while keeping all children safe.

You are asked to work in a different classroom today. How do you get ready quickly?

What they are checking: Flexibility and quick learning, since assistants often float to cover classrooms.

What would you do if you saw a coworker break a safety rule?

What they are checking: Willingness to protect children by speaking up appropriately.

About the work

How do you follow safe sleep, diapering and handwashing procedures?

What they are checking: Knowledge of basic health and safety routines that protect young children.

How do you help with hands-on activities so children stay engaged?

What they are checking: Active participation in learning activities instead of just supervising.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Bright Horizons from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Bright Horizons.

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children’s lives every day. Learn from early education experts while having the opportunity to pursue a CDA or college degree at no cost. Experience this and more as a Bright Horizons Assistant Teacher . Full-time positions are available with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Responsibilities: • Assist with hands-on activities to meet the needs and interests of the children • Maintain open communication with parents, sharing their child's daily milestones • Ensure a safe and clean classroom by following essential procedures and guidelines • Provide support in any classroom or age group where teaching coverage is needed across a center or in nearby locations Qualifications: Candidates must pass required state and company background checks, and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements: • 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required • 1 year of experience working in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred • CDA, Associate, or bachelor’s degree in early education or related field is preferred Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We’re changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you’re the difference . Physical Requirements: This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery and services per Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee. • Frequently lift, carry, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, or hold weight more than 40 pounds • Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities • Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies • Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions . Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodation for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations. This position requires in-person work in the Itasca, IL area. Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is between $15.65 - $19.45 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors. Benefits: Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: • Medical, dental, and vision insurance • Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave • 401(k) retirement plan • Long-term and short-term disability insurance • Life insurance • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program • Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family • Employee Referral Bonus Program • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness Compensation: $15.65 - $19.45 / hr Life at Bright Horizons: At Bright Horizons, you’re more than your job title — you’re the difference . Whether you’re nurturing a child’s first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We’re a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future — for yourself and for others. Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights , Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA ). If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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