Assistant Infant Teacher

Breathe Project; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastminster Child Care Center in the Pittsburgh area seeks an Assistant Infant Teacher to support the Lead Infant Teacher in providing a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment for infants.

The role requires patience, strong communication, and a deep understanding of infant routines, cues, and safe sleep practices, with a commitment to Keystone STARS and NAEYC standards. Growth and ongoing professional development are encouraged.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• CDA or progress toward CDA strongly preferred.
• Experience working with infants in a childcare or early learning setting.
• Knowledge of infant development, responsive caregiving, and safe sleep practices.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC standards, and Keystone STARS quality indicators.
• Ability to meet state background checks, health assessments, and training requirements (Mandated Reporter, Pediatric First Aid/CPR).
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Certifications: Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications.

Responsibilities

• Support daily caregiving routines including feeding, diapering, bottle preparation, naps, and transitions.
• Respond promptly and sensitively to infants’ cues, offering comfort and secure attachment-building interactions.
• Engage infants in developmentally appropriate activities such as tummy time, sensory play, early language experiences, music, and gentle movement.
• Ensure constant supervision and maintain safe sleep and safe-environment practices at all times.
• Promote early developmental milestones by supporting motor skills, early communication, and social-emotional bonding.
• Assist with classroom organization by preparing materials, rotating toys, and maintaining a calm, predictable environment.
• Observe and document developmental progress including emerging skills, feeding patterns, and temperament, and share insights with the Lead Teacher.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene including sanitizing toys, cleaning surfaces, and following health and safety protocols.
• Communicate professionally with families and staff while maintaining confidentiality.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA or progress toward CDA

Infant care experience

Job description

About Us

Eastminster Child Care Center is a 4 Keystone Stars, NAEYC- Accredited Christian Child Care Program serving Infants through Preschoolers. The center emphasizes a nurturing, cross- cultural environment aligned with the mission of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. The center is dedicated to providing high- quality care and education. Our program meets rigorous standards in staff qualifications, learning environments, leadership, and family-community partnerships, reflecting our commitment to excellence in early childhood education.

Position Summary

The Assistant Infant Teacher works closely with the Lead Infant Teacher to create a nurturing, predictable, and developmentally appropriate environment for infants. This position requires patience, attentiveness, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of infant needs, cues, and routines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support daily caregiving routines including feeding, diapering, bottle preparation, naps, and transitions.
• Respond promptly and sensitively to infants’ cues, offering comfort, soothing, and secure attachment-building interactions.
• Engage infants in developmentally appropriate activities such as tummy time, sensory play, early language experiences, music, and gentle movement.
• Ensure constant supervision and maintain safe sleep and safe-environment practices at all times.
• Promote early developmental milestones by supporting motor skills, early communication, and social-emotional bonding.
• Assist with classroom organization by preparing materials, rotating toys, and maintaining a calm, predictable environment.
• Observe and document developmental progress including emerging skills, feeding patterns, and temperament, and share insights with the Lead Teacher.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene including sanitizing toys, cleaning surfaces, and following health and safety protocols.
• Communicate professionally with families and staff while maintaining confidentiality.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development.

Health & Safety:

• Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging classroom environment that meets Head Start health and safety standards, NAEYC criteria, and Keystone STARS 4 environmental guidelines.
• Ensure constant supervision and compliance with all DHS licensing regulations.
• Implement positive guidance strategies that support emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and prosocial behavior.
• Set up and rotate learning centers to encourage exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning.

Documentation:

• Create weekly lesson plans that support exploration, independence, and emerging skills.

Family Engagement:

• Greet families warmly during drop-off and pick-up times, providing updates on their child's day.

Professional Development:

• Participate in ongoing training, completing a minimum of 24 hours annually as required by Keystone STARS.
• Implement developmentally appropriate practices consistent with NAEYC standards.
• Adapt teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs, cultural backgrounds, and developmental levels.
• Encourage language development, self-help skills, and positive social interactions.
• Ensure constant supervision and adherence to all DHS, NAEYC, and STARS safety and health regulations.
• Support implementation of positive guidance strategies that promote self-regulation and problem-solving.
• Prepare materials, set up learning centers, and rotate activities to support ongoing engagement.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and Keystone STARS continuous quality improvement activities.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a positive attitude in a fast-paced early childhood environment.
• Uphold program policies, licensing regulations, and accreditation standards at all times.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required
• CDA or progress toward CDA strongly preferred.
• Experience working with infants in a childcare or early learning setting.
• Knowledge of infant development, responsive caregiving, and safe sleep practices
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC standards, and Keystone STARS quality indicators.
• Knowledge of child development principles and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Ability to meet all state background checks, health assessments, and training requirements (including Mandated Reporter, Pediatric First Aid/CPR, and annual professional development hours).
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Certifications: Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Skills: Flexibility, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work collaboratively.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and engage in floor play, carrying, and physical caregiving tasks
• Frequent bending, sitting on the floor, and active engagement with children.
• Ability to respond quickly and safely to children’s needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a Keystone STARS 3 or 4 center.
• Familiarity with Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards and Keystone STARS Performance Standards.

Compensation:

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience and education.