Associate Teacher

Position Purpose

As a member of a teaching team, the Associate Teacher works under the direction of the Lead Teacher to meet the care, developmental, and educational needs for a group of children. The teacher collaborates with all staff to create a warm, caring, and safe environment for young children, participates in planning and implementing the curriculum, guides children’s behavior, communicates with parents, records developmental progress, and supervises part‑time staff.

In the Lead Teacher’s absence, the Associate Teacher assumes the Lead Teacher’s responsibilities.

• Articulate program goals and select activities that achieve those goals.
• Assist with well‑rounded classroom curriculum planning and child assessment.
• Help develop a comprehensive curriculum that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth of children.
• Plan curriculum based on the needs, interests, and individual development of children.
• Adapt programming to meet the needs of individual children and families.
• Interact with children during activities to support learning and provide materials and ideas to extend play.
• Support activities in a manner that facilitates children’s enjoyment and learning.
• Participate in conversations with children, appreciating their individuality; join in their play; read to children one‑on‑one or in groups.
• Assume leadership of a specific activity when more than one is occurring.
• Observe, assess, and record children’s skills and maintain records on their progress.
• Assist with arranging special events, including walking field trips and visitors.

• Assist in creating and maintaining an attractive, well‑organized classroom that encourages creativity and exploration.
• Help with transitions from home to school.
• Maintain awareness of each child’s whereabouts.
• Assist with establishing behavior guidelines and enforce appropriate expectations for children’s behavior.
• Provide guidance and re‑direction when required, using positive guidance techniques.
• Enable children to resolve conflicts independently.
• Model and teach developmentally appropriate behavior and skills.
• Ensure children can feel safe and secure throughout the day.
• Respond to observed needs for attention and reassurance.
• Assist children in managing feelings positively.
• Verify that individuals other than parents or guardians are authorized to escort children.
• Ensure children are signed in and out.

• Ensure the safety and well‑being of children at all times.
• Implement health policies, including good hygiene practices such as hand washing, toileting, and diapering procedures.
• Report accidents and injuries to parents, the Lead Teacher, and the Director; administer first aid as needed.
• Ensure children are dressed appropriately for health and safety.
• Dispense and store medications in accordance with Center policies.

• Maintain confidentiality of information about children and families.
• Communicate with families to share information about daily activities.
• Offer suggestions in response to families’ requests or concerns.
• Participate in conducting regular family conferences and communicate through bulletin boards, newsletters, written notes, and other means.
• Assist in arranging events and activities for children and families.

• Provide assistance to other classrooms as necessary.
• Collaborate with other classrooms on activities and events.
• Assist in maintaining shared spaces.
• Participate in the maintenance of equipment and supplies and inform the Lead Teacher or office of needs.
• Participate in standing and ad‑hoc Center committees.
• Pursue ongoing professional development.
• Work with other staff members on Center development and the resolution of Center issues.

• Assist with supervising temporary staff and volunteers.
• Participate in regular team meetings.
• Assume the role of Lead Teacher in their absence.
• Coordinate meal and snack preparation, ensuring children have adequate nutritious food.
• Model good eating habits and manners and promote a relaxing mealtime environment.
• Demonstrate professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least nine credits in Early Childhood Education.
• Preferred:
  Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.