Assistant Teach - Infant​/Toddler Class

Earthplace Preschool is currently hiring a Full-Time Assistant Teacher in our Infant/Toddler Classroom for the "opening shift" of 7:30am -3:30pm

Earthplace Preschool offers a unique brand of nature-based preschool in Westport, CT - each day, students learn through exploration, investigation, and experimentation! Students construct their own learning using critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation. These young children need guidance in language acquisition, encouragement of gross motor and fine motor skills, as well assistance with toilet training and other self-help and self-care skills.

They are also just beginning to share, think about others' feelings, and form meaningful friendships. Earthplace is looking for teachers with an understanding of child development to help encourage these skills within this unique group of children. Teachers will be offered training opportunities throughout the year - at Earthplace, we encourage and expect teachers to increase their knowledge and facilitate the learning of young children!

Preschool teachers work as part of a team - at Earthplace Preschool, we understand that the teacher's approach and demeanor set the tone for the classroom. An intentional, thoughtful approach and calm demeanor are imperative for success with young children.

The Assistant Teacher is a member of the teaching team who shares the responsibility with the Lead Teacher for the care and education of an assigned group of children. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for planning with the teaching team, implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum, student supervision, and helping to provide a healthy and safe learning environment.

An Assistant Teacher must consistently demonstrate the ability to:

• assist Lead Teacher in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment
• advance cognitive and physical development using Teaching Strategies Gold and the ELDS as a guide
• assist Lead Teacher in using multiple sources to assess and understand children’s needs
• assist Lead Teacher in adapting classroom routines, environment, and instructional methods and strategies to meet students’ needs
• support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance
• assist Lead Teacher in establishing positive and productive relationships with families
• ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs
• maintain a commitment to professional growth and development
• spend ample time outdoors, bend, squat, lift children (weighing up to 50 lbs)
• teachers must be prepared with appropriate clothing and mental mindset to spend one hour outside, each day, regardless of weather conditions, within the Earthplace safety perimeter
• understand and adhere to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

An Assistant Teacher must consistently demonstrate the willingness to:

• accept guidance and coaching from his or her Lead Teacher
• ask the Lead Teacher for help and support when needed
• maintain current CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration (including Epi-Pen), and OSHA training
• attend professional development workshops and/or college courses that meet the required 1% of hours worked per year
• spend at least one hour each day outdoors and interact with nature in a meaningful and purposeful way
• keep the classroom clean according to the NAEYC and state licensing standards
• participate in and facilitate NAEYC Accreditation
• participate in two Earthplace events per year

• courses in Early Childhood Education and/or 2 years of experience working with toddlers and/or preschoolers
• passion and commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of young children and families
• strong work ethic, reliable and timely attendance, and a desire to learn
• working knowledge of CT Statutes and Regulations, NAEYC criteria, and the CT ELDS
• ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team
• physically able to bend, squat, get down and up from the floor, and lift up to 50 lbs to chest height