Early Learning Center - Assistant Teacher

Summary

Support position working under the direction of the Head Teacher to implement high-quality early childhood education programs aligned with Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS). Assist in creating and maintaining a developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development for preschool-aged children.

Duties

Classroom Support

• Assist Head Teacher in implementing daily activities and lessons
• Help prepare and maintain learning centers and classroom materials
• Support children's engagement in planned activities
• Assist with classroom transitions and routines
• Help supervise children during indoor and outdoor play
• Support implementation of CT ELDS in daily activities
• Participate in small group instruction under Head Teacher's guidance
• Assist with classroom organization and material preparation

Student Care and Development

• Support children's social-emotional development
• Assist children with self-help skills and personal care routines
• Help children develop positive social interactions and problem-solving skills
• Support development of fine and gross motor skills
• Assist with mealtime routines and promote healthy eating habits
• Help children with handwashing and other health practices
• Support toilet training efforts in partnership with families
• Guide children in cleaning up and organizing materials

Health and Safety

• Maintain clean and sanitized learning environments
• Follow proper health and safety protocols
• Assist with daily health checks
• Help maintain safe indoor and outdoor environments
• Follow proper procedures for diapering and toileting
• Assist with proper food handling and cleaning during meals and snacks
• Support implementation of safety rules and procedures
• Report safety concerns to Head Teacher or administration

Documentation and Communication

• Assist with daily documentation of children's activities
• Help maintain attendance records
• Support DOTS assessment system documentation
• Communicate daily activities to families at pickup/drop-off
• Share observations of children's development with Head Teacher
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families
• Document accidents or incidents as required
• Assist with preparation of materials for family conferences

Requirements

• A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition.
• Or
• A CDA Credential equivalent as defined by NAEYC as at least 12 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education.
• Or
• An associate’s degree (AA) in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education.
• Or
• The equivalency to an associate’s degree (AA) in early childhood education, which is defined by NAEYC as at least 60 college/university credits with at least 30 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education.
• Or
• High school diploma or equivalent, must earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) or be enrolled in an accredited Early Childhood Education college/university degree program within the first year of employment.
• High energy.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear full background check.
• Must pass health screening.

Nice To Haves

• Brightwheel software
• Children's educational software
• Desktop computers
• Educational board games
• Educational puzzles
• Educational toys
• Google Workspace
• Emergency first aid kits
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word