Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Preschool - Pete's Place

Job Description

This is a part‑time, 20‑hour‑per‑week position. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for preschool children ages 3 to 6 years. The Assistant Teacher assists with developmentally appropriate curriculum, supervises children during daily activities, fosters social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through play and structured learning, maintains a clean and healthy classroom, encourages positive behavior and independence, and responds to each child’s individual needs with patience and care.

The role collaborates with staff and families, participates in training and professional development, follows state licensing and safety regulations, and provides classroom coverage as needed. Flexibility to work in all preschool classrooms is required.

• Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of principles of childhood growth and development.
• Ability to apply Early Childhood Development principles in daily activities and adapt to individual needs.
• Decision and problem‑solving abilities.
• Understanding of the ECLT routine for lesson planning and running the class when the ECLT is absent.
• Team collaboration with staff, families, and community resources.
• Respectful relations and communication with staff, families, children, and community.
• Supervision of children and ensuring a safe environment.
• Response to events at all times in classroom and outdoor play areas.
• Receptive to oversight and guidance from an onsite Lead Teacher or Director.

• Minimum age 16 years.
• High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or HiSET preferred.

• American Heart Association Heart Saver CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification within 30 days of employment, to be kept current.
• Current on the Montana Early Childhood Project Practitioner Registry within 15 days of hire.
• Infant Safety Essentials within 30 days and Health and Safety Required Professional Development within 90 days of hire.
• Complete mandatory 16‑hour annual training and keep current all St. Peter’s Health and State Child Care Licensing required immunizations.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and stressors effectively and efficiently.
• Genuine interest and enjoyment of small children, ability to stay calm in all situations, and to respond to children in a quiet, reassuring manner.
• Exercise good judgement and critical thinking skills to ensure safety and well‑being of children.