Preschool Associate Teacher

Job Title: Associate Teacher
Department: Preschool
Reports to: Director of Preschool and Early Childhood
Salary and FLSA Status: $32.00 / Hourly

The Associate Teacher is responsible for supporting the Lead Teacher in the preschool children’s learning experiences. The Associate Teacher will provide aid in students’ emotional and instructional needs, classroom management, and classroom upkeep. The Associate is encouraged to take initiative and extend their areas of skill and expertise.

• Adhere to Third Street’s philosophy and educational goals for children.
• Support and guide classroom and outdoor activities according to the Lead Teacher’s recommendations.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of classroom activities in accordance with the Lead Teacher.
• Participate in discussions of curriculum development.
• Contribute to the upkeep of an orderly, safe, curriculum‑rich and aesthetically pleasing classroom environment.
• Attend and actively participate in all required preschool meetings and professional development sessions. All meetings are in‑person unless otherwise indicated by the Director.
• Participate in Parent/Teacher conferences in coordination with the Lead Teacher.
• Promote intentional and open‑ended play experiences.
• In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, work toward creating enriching and exciting curriculum that includes project‑based learning and the arts.

• Follow all applicable policies and procedures in Third Street’s employee handbooks and manuals and be compliant with all applicable regulations.
• Effectively incorporate feedback and direction from supervisor.
• Uphold confidentiality, limiting discussions of children and families to constructive conversations with the Director and Lead Teacher.
• Actively contribute to building and maintaining a supportive and respectful community for the preschool and Third Street Music School as a whole.
• Be reliable in attendance and arrive punctually. Contact supervisor in advance when expecting to be absent or late.
• Be a learner and eager to grow in their profession.
• Respectfully work cooperatively with the Lead Teacher, knowledgeable about all nuances of the classroom in which they work.

• Make ongoing observations of children and support their learning and growth.
• Alert to individual children’s patterns of behavior and share observations with the Lead Teacher.
• Support children in their efforts to build independence, resilience, and confidence.
• Encourage children to engage in all areas of the classroom.
• Maintain appropriate limits and expectations for children.
• Demonstrate a working understanding of child development.

• Be warm, generous, and responsive to young children.
• Be friendly and respectful with parents and colleagues.
• Work well collaboratively.
• Extend and facilitate positive interaction among students.

• College level coursework in early childhood development or equivalent; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience as an Early Childhood Associate Teacher, Student Teacher, or Intern.
• Three references verifying teaching experience.
• Compliant with all applicable regulations.
• Clearance of a background check.