Preschool Associate Teacher

The Associate Teacher is an individual passionate about education, and excited about working with children to further their educational and emotional growth. In collaboration with the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Teacher, the Associate Teacher is responsible for supporting the implementation of the early childhood classroom curriculum and assessment process, involving families in classroom experiences, and cultivating a classroom environment that represents each child's family culture.

This individual is responsible for supporting the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing the daily education program for children. The Associate Teacher reports to the Assistant Director to provide information should a risk of issue arise. The salary range for this position is $42,625 to $49,760 based on experience.

• Implementing classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines/schedules
• Participating in classroom coaching cycles
• Enhancing social, emotional, and cognitive development through age-specific manipulatives, activities, and language experiences for children
• Supervising and providing a safe and nurturing environment for children
• Observing, assessing, and documenting each assigned child's health, skills, behavior, growth, and development
• Assuming Lead Teacher's responsibilities in the Lead Teacher's temporary absence
• Ensuring general classroom management, organization, cleanliness, and maintenance
• Caring for safety and hygiene of children on a frequent basis
• Scheduling family/staff conferences and, in collaboration with the Lead Teacher, conducting meetings
• Maintaining daily communication with families using multiple channels of communication
• Completing all required program documentation and submitting it in a timely manner to the Lead Teacher
• Completing daily attendance and meal participation reports
• Remaining compliant with all state licensing requirements as they pertain to health, safety, and professional requirements
• Acting as a role model for child development
• Maintaining confidentiality as it pertains to program, staff, and families

• Current Child Development Associate credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition OR at least 12 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education; level A or B certification in the PA ECE Career Pathway preferred
• 1-3 years experience working with children from birth - 5 years/Early Childhood Education
• Experience and knowledge in Early Childhood Education program and teaching standards, including code of ethics - NAEYC standards preferred
• Familiar with inquiry-based and project approach learning, as well as PBIS strategies preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to effectively work with low-income families preferred
• Comfortability with technology including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and /or willingness to learn
• Excels at engaging with parents/caregivers, including initiating discussions when necessary
• Responsible, enthusiastic, and cares about working in a mission-focused organization
• Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, and educate teams
• Ability to physically interact with children (e.g., talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, etc.) and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutions
• Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are considered to be role models for students
• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment background checks and clearances

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning does not discriminate against applicants or employees, in hiring, promotion or any terms or conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability or use of a guide or support animal because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law (collectively “Protected Characteristics”), against any applicant for admission, enrolled children, or any other individual(s) who participate(s) in the programs, services, and activities at our Centers.