Associate Teacher

Join Our Team at St. Mary's Early Childhood Center!

St. Mary's Early Childhood Center, with over 60 years of providing high-quality early childhood education, is seeking a passionate and dedicated Associate Teacher to join our dynamic team. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia teaching philosophy, our center values the uniqueness of each child and fosters a rich, inquiry-based learning environment where children of all backgrounds thrive. As an Associate Teacher, you will guide a diverse classroom, creating an engaging and educational atmosphere that sparks curiosity and supports the development of every child. If you are an experienced educator committed to providing exceptional early childhood education in a nurturing community, we would love to hear from you!

Location: Gilliatte Building (Lawrence)
Status: Full Time
Reports to: Teacher, Curriculum Coach, Director of Programs, Director of Preschool and Professional Development

Primary Functions: The Associate Teacher demonstrates our Image of the Child through respectful interactions with children and their families. These positions participate in planning and maintaining a rich, child-focused, developmentally appropriate environment for the children in his/her care.

Essential Functions:

• Show respect for children and families of varying cultures
• Make the safety of all children the top priority.
• Ensure food is never withheld as punishment.
• Communicate and work with families in a positive manner and on a regular basis
• Lead the class and small group activities collaborating with the classroom teacher
• Understand and implement the Image of the child, positive behavior management, and Applied Educational Neuroscience techniques.
• Work as part of a team
• Work with children one on one or in small groups.
• Assist in general operations of the classroom, including but not limited to serving meals and snacks, recording meal sheets, and cleaning the classroom when children have left.
• Follow all licensing, accreditation, and CACFP requirements.
• Attend and complete all professional development training as required by NAEYC, state licensing, and St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center.
• Read child files in the classroom noting allergies and health issues, no permissions for pictures.
• Understand he/she may be required to work in multiple classrooms and/or buildings.
• Ensure spaces are cleaned and organized at the end of the day or shift.
• Ensure licensing ratios are followed at all times.
• Ensure his/her eyes and attention are focused on the children at all times. He/she must be able to see all children in his/her care at all times.
• Avoid all use of personal electronic devices including cell phones while monitoring children, except in case of emergency.
• Other duties as necessary to ensure efficient functioning of the Center.

Position Specifications/Requirements:

• Show respect for children and families of varying cultures
• Ability to meet the needs of the children.
• Ability to communicate positively with families.
• Self-motivated. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Punctual and maintain regular attendance
• Ability to maintain confidentiality is required.
• Willingness to foster the mission of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis
• Understand and comply with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Code of Conduct.
• Acceptance of the beliefs and ways of the work of SMECC.

Education, Training, And Experience:

• Successfully complete the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Child Safety Training and all state licensing requirements.
• Archdiocesan Background screening required.
• Complete OECOSL, FSSA licensing requirements: fingerprints, consent to inform, drug test, physical, and annual TB test.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age with a high school degree or equivalent.
• Reading skills necessary to read and document all materials, reports required to carry out responsibilities and protect children from harm.

Working Environment: While performing the duties of this job, frequent occasional bending, stooping, walking, standing, and lifting 35 pounds are required to lift or carry a child, classroom supplies, etc. and the ability to take precautions to protect children from a place or situation of danger. Nights might be required. Traveling between building sites as required.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person