ECEAP Assistant Teacher

The ECEAP Assistant Teacher supports the Teacher and center team in providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate early learning services for preschool children and families. This position assists with implementation of Creative Curriculum and Second Step, supports weekly lesson planning and classroom preparation, maintains active supervision, and helps ensure a safe, inclusive, culturally responsive, and nurturing learning environment. The Assistant Teacher contributes to child observation, documentation, assessment support, family communication, health and safety routines, and classroom operations in alignment with ECEAP Performance Standards, DCYF licensing requirements, and Child Care Action Council policies.

The staff person in this role is expected to model professionalism, maintain confidentiality, communicate respectfully, demonstrate flexibility, and contribute to a positive work environment at all times.

• Supports implementation of Creative Curriculum by preparing materials, setting up interest areas, facilitating hands-on learning experiences, and helping children engage in purposeful play and exploration.
• Assists the Teacher with weekly lesson plans by gathering supplies, preparing activities, supporting small- and large-group instruction, and helping maintain predictable daily routines.
• Provides individualized support to children based on developmental needs, interests, culture, language, learning style, and goals identified by the Teacher and center team.
• Collects objective observational notes, work samples, and documentation for Teaching Strategies GOLD and shares information with the Teacher to support assessment, planning, and individualization.
• Reinforces Second Step social-emotional strategies throughout daily routines, transitions, problem-solving moments, and peer interactions.
• Uses developmentally appropriate practices, positive guidance, and trauma-informed approaches to support whole-child development and school readiness.

Child Supervision & Safety

• Maintains active supervision at all times using DCYF-aligned strategies, including appropriate positioning, scanning, counting, listening, anticipating children’s needs, and engaging with children.
• Monitors children during classroom activities, meals, transitions, toileting/handwashing routines, outdoor play, rest time, arrivals, departures, and field trips to ensure safety and well-being.
• Follows all health, sanitation, emergency, medication, injury reporting, incident reporting, mandated reporting, and safe-release procedures as required by program policy and licensing standards.
• Supports safe classroom ratios, communicates promptly with the Teacher or Center Supervisor when concerns arise, and never leaves children unsupervised.
• Helps maintain a physically, socially, and emotionally safe environment that encourages exploration, independence, belonging, and respectful interactions.

Child Interaction & Classroom Climate

• Engages children with warmth, positivity, respect, and responsiveness while using culturally respectful and trauma-informed practices.
• Models appropriate behavior, language, problem-solving, self-regulation, and communication skills to support social-emotional development.
• Uses positive guidance strategies and redirection to support children’s behavior while preserving dignity and strengthening relationships.
• Supports inclusive participation for children with varying developmental, behavioral, language, cultural, and accessibility needs.
• Helps maintain an organized, inviting, print-rich, and culturally responsive classroom environment that supports learning and exploration.

Family Partnership & Communication

• May assist with Brightwheel communication by posting updates, photos, reminders, and daily notes in alignment with program expectations and family privacy requirements.
• Greets families warmly and helps create a welcoming environment that honors family culture, language, strengths, and goals.
• Communicates family questions, concerns, child updates, and relevant information promptly to the Teacher, Family Support Specialist, or Center Supervisor.
• Supports family engagement activities, classroom events,…