Preschool Assistant Teacher

Position Description: Preschool (3s/4s) Assistant Teacher 26-27 School Year

For the 2026-2027 school year: Bethlehem Children’s School (BCS) seeks an experienced childhood educator who is enthusiastic, compassionate, creative, and passionate about working with students in a warm and supportive environment. Students are ages 3 and 4, and attend on a full day (8:10am-3pm) and half day (8:10-12:30pm) schedules, Monday-Friday. The Assistant Teacher will work under the supervision of the Lead Teachers and partner closely with administration to meet each student where they are on their learning journey. The Assistant Teacher is evaluated by the Dean of Faculty and reports to the Head of School at BCS.

About BCS: Bethlehem Children’s School is a progressive, early-childhood-focused independent school in Slingerlands, NY. BCS offers a multi-age, child-led, experiential education for the whole child, emphasizing nature, wisdom, and wellness. BCS currently serves children ages 3 through Kindergarten, with a vision to inspire a lifelong love of learning while developing a deep connection to self, others and the world. Our students spend time outdoors every day, rain or shine.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Lead Teachers in classroom activities, such as Morning Meeting, lessons, specials, and group activities
• Support the Lead Teachers in managing classroom functioning, including transitions, schedules, supervision, setup and cleanup, snack and lunch, outdoor time, toileting, etc.
• Cultivate a classroom community in which all children and families feel seen, heard, and valued
• Proactively and responsively support student behavior using developmentally-appropriate strategies in accordance with the BCS behavioral policy
• Foster an atmosphere of acceptance, trust, and respect in the classroom, as well as positive social-emotional growth
• Partner with the Lead Teachers and Dean of Students to support children’s growth and development, and respond to the varied needs of students
• Participate in school-related events
• Engage in ongoing professional growth and self-reflective practice
• Build strong collaborative relationships with fellow BCS staff

Qualifications:

• Experience working with young children, with at least one year of relevant experience in an educational or childcare setting
• Ability to be flexible, creative, and empathetic
• Strong collaboration skills; able to work well with a team
• Love of the outdoors and commitment to supporting children’s engagement with nature
• Able to meet physical demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Able to commit to a 10-month school year (late August to mid-June)
• High school diploma or GED (required) or an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in education or related field (preferred)

Work Hours, Salary, and Benefits: This position is a full-time, ten-month position beginning August 2026. Work hours are 8am-3:15pm, Monday-Friday. The hourly rate for an assistant teacher is $20-24, commensurate with education level and experience. Vacation time is as follows: three days for Thanksgiving, two weeks for Holiday Break in December, one week each for Winter Break and Spring Break, and most Bethlehem School District-wide holidays. BCS also runs an afterschool program and a 10-week summer camp where teachers can work for additional pay.

All BCS employees are expected to follow the guidelines as outlined in the Staff Handbook, which is provided upon hiring. In summary, this means demonstrating a commitment to BCS’s mission, professionalism, and a growth mindset. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to headofschool@bethlehemchildrensschool.org.

For further information about Bethlehem Children’s School’s history, mission, and program, please visit and read our website at www.bethelehmchildrensschool.org.

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Work Location: In person