Associate Teacher

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 of a group of children. The role involves creating a warm, caring, and safe environment, planning and implementing curriculum, guiding children’s behavior, communicating with parents, recording developmental progress, and supervising part‑time staff. The Associate Teacher may assume the Lead Teacher role in their absence.

• Articulates program goals and selects activities that support those goals.
• Assists with well‑rounded classroom curriculum planning and child assessment.
• Develops a comprehensive curriculum that promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
• Plans curriculum based on the needs, interests, and individual development of each child.
• Adapts programming to meet the needs of individual children and families.
• Interacts with children during activities to support learning and provides materials and ideas to extend play.
• Supports activities so that children enjoy learning.
• Participates in conversations with children, appreciating their individuality; joins in play; reads to children individually or in groups.
• Assumes leadership of a specific activity when more than one activity is occurring.
• Observes, assesses, and records children’s skills and maintains progress records.
• Assists with arranging special events, including walking field trips and visitors.

Percentage Of Time 40%

• Assists in creating and maintaining an attractive, well‑organized classroom that encourages creativity and exploration.
• Assists with transitions from home to school.
• Maintains awareness of each child’s whereabouts.
• Assists with establishing behavior guidelines and follows through with appropriate expectations.
• Provides guidance and redirection when needed; uses positive guidance techniques.
• Enables children to resolve their own conflicts.
• Models and teaches developmentally appropriate behavior and skills.
• Creates a safe and secure environment for children throughout the day.
• Responds to observed needs for attention, reassurance, etc.
• Assists children in managing feelings positively.
• Verifies that individuals other than parents/guardians are authorized to escort children.
• Ensures children are signed in and out.

Percentage Of Time 40%

• Ensures the safety and well‑being of children at all times.
• Implements health policies, including hand washing, toileting, and diapering procedures.
• Reports accidents and injuries to parents, Lead Teacher, and Director, and administers first aid as needed.
• Ensures children are dressed appropriately for health and safety.
• Dispenses and stores medications in accordance with Center policies.

Percentage Of Time 5%

• Maintains confidentiality of information about children and families.
• Communicates with families to share information about daily activities.
• Provides suggestions in response to families’ requests or concerns.
• Participates in regular family conferences and communicates through bulletin boards, newsletters, and written notes.
• Assists in arranging events and activities for children and families.

Percentage Of Time 10%

• Provides assistance to other classrooms as necessary.
• Collaborates with other classrooms on activities and events.
• Assists in maintaining shared spaces.
• Participates in equipment and supplies maintenance and informs leadership of needs.
• Participates in standing and ad‑hoc center committees.
• Pursues ongoing professional development.
• Works with other staff members on center development and resolution of center issues.

Percentage Of Time 5%

• Assists with supervising temporary staff and volunteers.
• Participates in regular team meetings.
• Assumes the Lead Teacher role in their absence.
• Coordinates meal and snack preparation, ensuring adequate nutritious food.
• Models good eating habits and manners and promotes a relaxing mealtime environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through interactions appropriate to a welcoming environment.
• Performs other duties as…