Assistant Infant / Toddler Teacher

Job Description

Job Description: Assistant Teacher

Reports to: Preschool Program Coordinator FLSA Classification: Exempt

Job Description:

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for creating an inviting, stimulating and safe learning environment. The Teacher’s responsibilities include creating a curriculum that is based on a solid understanding of child development, PIC’s philosophy, and the state and national learning standards. The curriculum should also reflect the framework of the Creative Curriculum and be responsive to the children’s interests. The Assistant Teacher builds connections between the child’s home and school through regular communication with the family. A strong relationship between the Lead Teacher and the teaching team is vital to the success of the program. As an early childhood professional, each teacher is expected to contribute to a working environment that is friendly, respectful, open and honest. Assistant Teachers collaborate with other teachers and classrooms, working together to share ideas and to develop joint projects and activities. Within the classroom, the final responsibility for the program, children, and communication with families rests with the Assistant Teacher. The Assistant Teacher is also a vital part of the PIC community, and there are duties beyond the classroom, including professional development and community events.

Philosophy: The Parent-Infant Center supports parenting by enabling children to grow and learn in a safe, stimulating, loving environment.

We believe that a high-quality early childhood program promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children while also responding to the needs of families. We encourage children to develop at their own pace and we are committed to making each child feel valued and special. We hope our children will grow to believe that they can make the world a better place.

PIC Values:

COMMUNITY as the basis for child, family, and educator growth, development, and learning

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY as our foundational approach

NATURE as a home for children’s play and learning

BEST PRACTICE APPROACHES based on solid research in the fields of education and child development

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION in classrooms and on educator and leadership teams

EQUITY through practice and advocacy, in education access and educator compensation

PROFESSIONALISM of our educators

Qualifications

• Associate's in Early Childhood Education or related field and two years’ employed experience working with children in group care.
• Education and experience requirements must meet the current applicable regulations for OCDEL, DHS, NAEYC, and Keystone STARS. .
• Knowledge of DHS regulations; Keystone Stars level 4 standards; PA Early Childhood Standards; NAEYC accreditation criteria. If not knowledgeable, willingness to learn these standards is required.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, and digital imaging programs (i.e., MS Word, Excel, downloading photos) Willingness to learn center-wide procedures like using Google Docs and the PIC server.
• Be 18 years of age or older.

Professional Development

• PDR. Each full-time employee is required to obtain 24 hours of professional development per calendar year and maintain a Professional Development Record with annual goals.
• Act 48: Certified teachers are required to maintain certification by completing 180 continuing education hours or 6 college credits every 5 years and upgrade their certification to Level II within 6 years.
• Staff meetings: Attend staff meetings as required including periodic evening meetings. Convey information from staff meetings to other team members who are unable to attend.
• Workshops and/or Educational Courses: Attend workshops or courses as requested or required. Share information from these workshops with other members of the classroom team.
• First aid/CPR: Complete pediatric first aid training every three years and CPR training yearly.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Be fully vaccinated.

• Be able to follow all COVID protocols, including wearing a mask for the duration of your time with children.
• Be able to lift children up to 50 pounds.

• Be able to walk, bend, stand, squat or sit on the floor (with children) throughout an 8-hour day.
• Be able to walk up and down steps several times each day.
• Be able to physically respond quickly in an emergency.
• Be actively engaged and involved with children each day; including planning daily outdoor time in all ranges of temperatures or humidity levels, subject to safety guidelines.

• Additional Skills

• Arrive on time for work or contact the Center when delayed
• Be reliable in attendance and give ample notice for absences
• Come to work with a positive attitude
• Approach criticism with a learning attitude
• Communicate directly and avoid gossip
• Be flexible in scheduling to meet the needs of the overall program
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and commitment to confidentiality
• Show initiative in problem-solving and be open to new ideas
• Approach challenges with imagination and a sense of humor

Declaration: The foregoing description of duties and responsibilities is not a complete description of the responsibilities and duties that are assigned to a Teacher and should not be interpreted as such.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Remotely

• No

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Childcare: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person