Early Learning Center Part-Time Assistant Teacher

Early Learning Center Part-Time Assistant Teacher

The Early Learning Center Assistant Teacher supports a nurturing, inclusive environment for infants and young toddlers. This role works closely with the lead teacher to implement engaging, Reggio Emilia-inspired learning experiences that encourage curiosity, exploration, and early development. Warmth, teamwork, attentiveness, and understanding of early childhood development are key to success in this position. Reporting to the Principal - Early Childhood, the assistant teacher plays a critical role in supporting the daily rhythms of the classroom and fostering each child's growth.

Assistant teachers collaborate with the lead teacher and fellow Early Childhood educators to create a joyful and responsive learning space.

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia's team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow's leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

• Displays a strong interest and love for working with infants and young toddlers and their parents
• Nurturing, intuitive, and responsive to the developmental needs of infants and toddlers
• Provides a welcoming, encouraging, and joyful atmosphere for children and families
• Expresses patience, creativity, joy, and a sense of humor
• Relates well with children and adults, gaining their confidence and respect
• Models the character values taught to children
• Responds to changing conditions and directions with spiritual light-heartedness and flexibility
• Supports a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to learning
• Works effectively and collaboratively with the lead teacher to address the needs of children
• Supports all aspects of program preparation, implementation, and completion
• Helps maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment
• Supports potty training and frequently changes diapers with attentiveness and care
• Handles discipline situations in a positive, constructive manner that supports character growth
• Able to meet the physical demands of the position, including lifting, bending, and floor play
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues and administrators
• Participates in committee meetings, faculty and parent meetings, and professional development opportunities when classroom coverage is available
• Pursues ongoing professional growth and applies best practices in early childhood education
• Uses technology comfortably to record daily routines and support classroom communication
• Understands and follows the general care and physical requirements as outlined by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

• Continuous Learning & Expertise:
  Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Accountability & Results Orientation:
  Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Problem Solving & Judgment:
  Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
• Proactivity & Ownership:
  Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Excellence & Attention to Detail:
  Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
• Service Orientation:
  Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Collegiality:
  Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
• Communication:
  Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Inclusion & Belonging:
  Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia's guiding statements
• Bachelor's degree in Education; a focus in Early Childhood Education is preferred.
• Experience working with children under the age of three in a professional, educational, or caregiving setting.