Assistant Teacher

The well-qualified individual must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive care and services to enrolled children and their families.

Possess the ability to plan, supervise, and implement curriculum in an assigned classroom.

Possess the ability to manage and foster a positive learning environment where children grow, learn, and thrive.

• Adhere to all SC DSS Childcare Licensing regulations and First Steps 4K, ABC Quality, and Thornwell Child Development Center’s guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in recommended training programs, conferences, courses, and other aspects of professional growth and development; will be responsible for 15 or more training hours each calendar year.
• Participate in weekly planning sessions with the lead teacher to collaborate, plan, create, and prepare small group and individualized lesson plans and other classroom duties.
• Assist in setting up, planning, and preparing the learning environment and preparing needed materials and supplies.
• Assist in completing all required observations, assessments, documentation, and parent-teacher conferences. Assist with entering observations and documentation into Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG). Assist in the ongoing evaluation procedures needed to assess the developmental levels of children.
• Assist in conducting parent conferences in the Fall, Winter, and Spring of each year and as required at any other time during the year as it relates to children’s school adjustment, classroom behavior, and developmental levels.
• Assist the lead teacher with communications with/to families using the provided daily comments forms, weekly newsletters, and planning calendars.
• Always maintain a professional, positive attitude and loyalty to the Center’s leadership team, its staff, children, and families.
• Greet children and families with a smile and a personal welcome or goodbye.
• Assist children in making choices for themselves, speaking for themselves, and building self-esteem by incorporating age-appropriate practices and techniques, positive guidance and redirection, and implementing Conscious Discipline strategies in handling challenging behaviors in the classroom.
• Assume responsibility for the general housekeeping duties of the 4K classroom, its furnishings, toys, manipulatives, and bathrooms.

• Must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, and at minimum a 2-year degree in Early Childhood Education/Development or a related field.
• SC First Steps will allow an assistant to start with a high school diploma, provided they enroll in the next available ECD 101 course to complete before the end of the school year.
• Must consent to sign an education plan to obtain an AA in Early Care and Education within a set timeframe.
• Must have at least six months of experience as a teacher/caregiver in a licensed or approved childcare facility.
• Must be certified in pediatric First Aid/CPR

• Must be skilled in classroom management.
• Must possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate a nurturing and responsive manner with children.
• Must possess the ability to interact and engage well with children and families.
• Must possess the ability to communicate feedback in a supportive, positive way.
• Must possess the ability to prioritize and organize one’s time and responsibilities to complete the required job tasks in a timely manner.
• Must possess the ability to commit to self-development and continued learning.

Thornwell's vision is to see hopeful, healthy, and empowered children and families fulfilling their God-given potential.

As a Christian ministry, our mission is to provide safe and nurturing environments where we educate, equip, and support children and families to thrive.

Thornwell is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit religious organization affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and prefers to employ individuals who are Christians and who possess a Christian commitment, as well as concern, for children and families in need.