Assistant Infant Toddler Teacher

THE MIDWEST PLAYHOUSE LLC; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company parties

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Job summary

THE MIDWEST PLAYHOUSE LLC is seeking an Infant & Toddler Assistant Teacher to support the Lead Teacher in a nurturing and Christ-centered environment. The role involves caring for children from 6 weeks to 24 months, ensuring their safety, and fostering developmental growth through various playful and educational activities.

The Assistant Teacher plays a crucial role in building positive relationships with children and families while maintaining a clean and organized classroom. Qualifications include a high school diploma and experience with young children.

Qualifications

• Experience working with infants or toddlers preferred.
• CDA or Early Childhood coursework is a plus.
• Passion for working with young children.

Responsibilities

• Provide loving, attentive care for infants and toddlers.
• Assist the Lead Teacher with preparing classroom activities.
• Document assigned activities accurately.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Teamwork skills

Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Benefits

• Company parties
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Job Summary

The Infant & Toddler Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered classroom for children ages 6 weeks through 24 months. This position helps provide individualized care, encourages developmental growth through play and exploration, maintains a clean and organized environment, and builds positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.

The Assistant Teacher plays an essential role in ensuring every child feels loved, secure, and cared for while supporting the Lead Teacher in maintaining a high-quality learning environment.

Responsibilities

Child Care & Supervision

• Provide loving, attentive care for infants and toddlers.
• Maintain active supervision at all times.
• Assist children with feeding, diapering, toileting, dressing, and hygiene.
• Comfort children and respond promptly to their individual needs.
• Engage children through play, conversation, music, and sensory experiences.
• Support positive social and emotional development.
• Follow classroom routines and daily schedules established by the Lead Teacher.

Classroom Support

• Assist the Lead Teacher with preparing classroom activities.
• Setting up learning centers.
• Reading stories.
• Singing songs and leading movement activities.
• Art and sensory experiences.
• Outdoor play.
• Cleaning and organizing the classroom.
• Preparing materials for upcoming lessons.

Individualized Infant & Toddler Care

• Provide consistent care by assisting with bottle preparation and feedings.
• Meal and snack assistance.
• Diaper changes.
• Potty learning support.
• Nap routines.
• Safe sleep practices.
• Comforting children during transitions.
• Encouraging self-help skills as children grow.

Playground App Responsibilities

• Accurately document assigned daily activities, including photos and videos as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Bottles, meals, and snacks.
• Diaper changes and potty records.
• Nap documentation.
• Daily observations.
• Incident reports when needed.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in ensuring each child receives 8-10 quality photos daily, 1 video whenever possible, and complete daily documentation before dismissal.

Health & Safety

• Follow all Missouri childcare licensing regulations.
• Maintain required classroom ratios.
• Practice proper handwashing and sanitation procedures.
• Follow safe sleep guidelines at all times.
• Sanitize toys, equipment, and classroom materials throughout the day.
• Report injuries, illnesses, or concerns immediately.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and licensing-ready classroom.

Parent Communication

• Greet families warmly during drop-off and pick-up.
• Share positive moments from each child's day.
• Direct concerns or sensitive conversations to the Lead Teacher or Director.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Represent The Midwest Playhouse with kindness and professionalism.

Team Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Teacher throughout the day.
• Assist other classrooms when needed to maintain ratios.
• Participate in staff meetings and training.
• Help complete classroom opening and closing responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with coworkers and maintain a positive attitude.
• Be flexible as classroom needs change throughout the day.

Daily Classroom Expectations

• The Assistant Teacher is expected to actively engage with children rather than supervise from a distance.
• Sit on the floor, read books, sing songs, and play alongside children.
• Encourage language development through frequent conversation.
• Keep children safe while promoting curiosity and independence.
• Help maintain a calm, clean, and organized classroom.
• Support transitions smoothly throughout the day.

Licensing & Professional Development

• Must maintain current CPR & First Aid Certification (or obtain within required timeframe).
• Safe Sleep Certification.
• Missouri-required annual training hours.
• Current background screenings.
• Knowledge of Missouri licensing regulations and center policies.

Performance Expectations

• A successful Infant & Toddler Assistant Teacher will demonstrate patience, warmth, and compassion with every child.
• Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and fellow staff.
• Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Follow classroom routines and directions consistently.
• Assist in keeping the classroom clean, organized, and licensing-ready.
• Complete assigned Playground documentation accurately.
• Build trusting relationships with children and families.
• Show initiative by anticipating classroom needs and offering help without being asked.

Qualifications Preferred

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Experience working with infants or toddlers preferred.
• CDA or Early Childhood coursework is a plus.
• Passion for working with young children.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively participate in classroom activities throughout the day.

Core Values

• Love and care for every child with patience and compassion.
• Support the Lead Teacher with a positive, team-first attitude.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment.
• Treat every family with kindness, professionalism, and respect.
• Take pride in maintaining a clean, organized classroom.
• Help lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning by making every interaction meaningful, encouraging, and full of God's love.