Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher

Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher

An incumbent is responsible for assisting the early childhood classroom teacher in implementing and maintaining developmentally appropriate educational activities within a classroom of the Child Development Center (CDC). Work includes supporting the daily care, guidance, and supervision of children. The assistant teacher assists in classroom preparation and maintenance, promoting a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment, while building positive relationships with children, families, and staff.

The incumbent reports to the director of the Child Development Center, receiving direction from the assistant director and early childhood classroom teacher. Responsibilities include assisting in curriculum planning, maintaining classroom organization and safety, ensuring compliance with Delaware regulations and college policy, supporting children from infants to school age, and contributing to a positive, team‑oriented learning environment.

• Assist the classroom teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and learning activities that promote cognitive, language, social‑emotional, and physical development of children, engaging actively with children in play, exploration, and structured learning experiences.
• Assist in the supervision of children to ensure their safety, health, and well‑being at all times.
• Support children in self‑care routines such as toileting, eating, handwashing, dressing, and rest time, helping to develop habits of self‑regulation and agency.
• Provide individualized support to children based on developmental levels and classroom goals.
• Maintain classroom, restroom, and playground environments that are clean, organized, and comply with OCCL health and safety regulations. Report maintenance, safety, or health concerns promptly to the classroom teacher or center director/assistant director.
• Interact respectfully and professionally with families, children, and visitors to promote positive relationships and communication. Share relevant information about children’s daily experiences at routine pick‑up and drop‑off times as appropriate.
• Assist with preparation for parent conferences, family events, and other center activities.
• Assist in the daily opening and closing of the center, which includes maintaining cleanliness, safe storage of supplies and equipment, and performing light housekeeping duties.
• Plan, prepare, and/or serve meals and/or snacks as assigned.
• Prepare and maintain accurate written and electronic records, as assigned, in a timely manner, which may include attendance, daily activities, and incident documentation.
• Participate in team meetings, professional development sessions, and staff training opportunities.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Knowledge of relevant state and federal program policies, procedures, and regulations, including OCCL and State Funded Early Care and Education Program (SFECEP) requirements.
• Knowledge of basic early childhood education principles, child development stages, and best practices in infant, toddler, and preschool settings.
• Knowledge of basic program development, assessment of children, curriculum implementation, and early childhood evaluation frameworks.
• Knowledge of the physical, cognitive, and social‑emotional development of children.
• Skills in organization and management of multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to critically think and use sound judgment, remaining calm when confronted with emergency situations.
• Ability to build strong relationships with children, families, staff, college administrators, and community partners.
• Ability to use applicable technology and software.
• Ability to effectively communicate and relate to a diverse population in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional ethics, and a respectful, inclusive environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and maintain written records.
• Ability to utilize positive behavior management techniques appropriate for children being served.

• High school diploma or GED and general experience with childcare.
• Must meet Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) requirements for an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher or Early Childhood Intern or higher as verified through the Delaware Educator Data Systems (DEEDS).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach and move from sitting on the floor to standing quickly.