Assistant Teacher, Penn Children's Center

Assistant Teacher, Penn Children's Center

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.

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.