Assistant Teacher, Penn Children's Center

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Assistant Teacher, Penn Children's Center

Job Profile Title

Assistant Teacher

Job Description Summary

The Assistant Teacher is a key member of the Penn Children's Center teaching team and is responsible for supporting the Center's core philosophy of "Learning through Play." This role works collaboratively with Lead Teachers and colleagues to foster the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children ages 12 weeks to five years. The Assistant Teacher supports daily classroom operations, curriculum implementation, family communication, and compliance with all applicable early childhood education standards.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

+ Teach, guide, and supervise children ages 12 weeks to five years in accordance with  NAEYC ,  Keystone STARS , and  DHS  regulations and guidelines.

+ Assist Lead Teachers in developing, planning, and implementing daily activities and lesson plans.

+ Arrange, organize, and maintain educational materials, classroom environments, and equipment.

+ Document daily activities, maintain accurate classroom records, and prepare required reports.

+ Communicate regularly with parents through daily updates, monthly newsletters, timely emails, and meetings as needed.

+ Maintain a Professional Development Record and complete all required training and credentialing mandates.

+ Assume full classroom responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Teacher.

+ Perform other duties as assigned to support classroom and Center operations.

Qualifications:

+ Associate's degree or two-year college equivalent and 3-5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

+ Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field highly preferred.

+ Solid understanding of early childhood development and working knowledge of early childhood education standards.

+ Strong communication, collaboration, and nurturing skills.

+ Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and commitment to continuous professional development.

+ Flexibility to work during Center operating hours (typically  7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ) to meet licensing ratios and operational needs.

+ Skills or experience in language, art, music, or drama highly valued.

+ Ability to work across multiple age groups, including infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms.

Physical Requirements &

Working Conditions:

+ Occasional lifting of 25-50 pounds.

+ Frequent standing or walking.

+ Intermittent sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, and kneeling.

Background Check Requirement:

A comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment background check is required for this position. Periodic background checks may also be conducted during employment in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

About the Division…