Assistant Teacher - Infant Classroom

Overview
At Earthplace Preschool, we believe that children learn best in an educational program that is focused on the whole child. We strive to meet the social, emotional, cognitive, creative, and physical needs of our students using curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and engaging.

We provide hands-on learning experiences in nature and in the classroom setting that allow children to make connections to the world around them. And, we believe that families and staff are partners in fostering a lifelong love of learning.

The Assistant Teacher is a member of the teaching team who shares the responsibility with the Lead Teacher for the care and education of an assigned group of students. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for planning with the teaching team, implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum, supervising students, and helping to provide a healthy and safe learning environment for the students.

Duties

• Assist Lead Teacher in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment.
• Advance cognitive and physical development using Teaching Strategies Gold and the ELDS as a guide.
• Assist Lead Teacher in using multiple sources to assess and understand children’s needs.
• Assist Lead Teacher in adapting classroom routines, environment, and instructional methods and strategies to meet students’ needs.
• Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance.
• Establish positive and productive relationships with families.
• Ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs.
• Maintain a commitment to professional growth and development.
• Spend time outdoors, bend, squat, lift children (weighing up to 50 lbs). Teachers must be prepared with appropriate clothing and mental mindset to spend one hour outside, each day, regardless of weather conditions, within the Earthplace safety perimeter. (appropriate exceptions will be considered upon request).
• Understand and adhere to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with infants or toddlers in a daycare, preschool, nannying, babysitting, or similar setting is preferred
• Knowledge of childhood development principles and early childhood education best practices
• Certification in first aid and CPR required or willingness to obtain upon hire
• Experience working with children with disabilities or special needs is a plus
• Strong understanding of classroom management techniques tailored for infant care environments
• Excellent caregiving skills combined with patience, empathy, and a positive attitude
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and team members while maintaining professionalism
• Enjoy spending time outside in all weather

Join us in creating a nature-based learning space where every infant feels safe, loved, and inspired to discover the world around them!

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• This position is for Mon-Fri 12:15pm-6:00pm. Do these hours work for you?

Experience:

• Early childhood education: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Westport, CT 06881 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person