Assistant Teacher

General Summary

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing a high-quality, safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate early childhood education environment. This role actively participates in classroom management, curriculum delivery, child observation, family engagement, and adherence to all state licensing, Head Start/Early Head Start, and program standards.

• Classroom & Instructional Support:
  Assist the Lead Teacher in planning and facilitating developmentally appropriate activities and lesson plans aligned with curriculum guidelines; support small-group activities and individual learning needs.
• Supervision & Safety:
  Maintain active, line-of-sight supervision and required staff-to-child ratios at all times (indoors and outdoors); enforce strict health, hygiene, sanitation, and safety protocols.
• Daily Routines & Caregiving:
  Assist with daily classroom routines, including arrivals, departures, meal and snack times, diapering/toileting, transitions, and rest periods.
• Observation & Documentation:
  Observe and record child progress, behaviors, and developmental milestones; provide timely input to the Lead Teacher to inform assessment and parent conferences.
• Family Engagement & Culture:
  Build positive, culturally responsive relationships with families, maintaining effective communication and strict confidentiality under FERPA/HIPAA guidelines.
• Classroom Operations:
  Prepare learning materials, maintain organized learning centers, and participate in classroom setup, sanitation, and breakdown daily.
• Program Compliance:
  Adhere to all organizational policies, state child care licensing rules, Head Start Performance Standards (if applicable), and mandated child abuse/neglect reporting laws.
• Professional Development:
  Attend required staff meetings, professional development sessions, and coaching cycles to continuously improve practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Title: Assistant Teacher

Department:
Focus: HOPE Early Learning

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing a high-quality, safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate early childhood education environment. This role actively participates in classroom management, curriculum delivery, child observation, family engagement, and adherence to all state licensing, Head Start/Early Head Start, and program standards.

• Classroom & Instructional Support:
  Assist the Lead Teacher in planning and facilitating developmentally appropriate activities and lesson plans aligned with curriculum guidelines; support small-group activities and individual learning needs.
• Supervision & Safety:
  Maintain active, line-of-sight supervision and required staff-to-child ratios at all times (indoors and outdoors); enforce strict health, hygiene, sanitation, and safety protocols.
• Daily Routines & Caregiving:
  Assist with daily classroom routines, including arrivals, departures, meal and snack times, diapering/toileting, transitions, and rest periods.
• Observation & Documentation:
  Observe and record child progress, behaviors, and developmental milestones; provide timely input to the Lead Teacher to inform assessment and parent conferences.
• Family Engagement & Culture:
  Build positive, culturally responsive relationships with families, maintaining effective communication and strict confidentiality under FERPA/HIPAA guidelines.
• Classroom Operations:
  Prepare learning materials, maintain organized learning centers, and participate in classroom setup, sanitation, and breakdown daily.
• Program Compliance:
  Adhere to all organizational policies, state child care licensing rules, Head Start Performance Standards (if applicable), and mandated child abuse/neglect reporting laws.
• Professional Development:
  Attend required staff meetings, professional development sessions, and coaching cycles to continuously improve practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Education:
  
  High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.

Credentials: Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Infant/Toddler or Preschool (or actively enrolled with completion within the program-mandated timeframe) preferred. Relevant college coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field strongly preferred.

• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 1 year of experience working with young children in a licensed child care or group early learning setting preferred.
• Mandatory Clearances & Certifications…