Assistant Teacher (Toddler Classroom)

The Family Partnership; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off & 10 holidays

Health insurance

HSA/FSA options

Disability insurance

Life insurance (employer-paid)

Job summary

The Family Partnership seeks an Assistant Teacher for its toddler classroom, supporting Lead Teachers in a full-day therapeutic education program for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. The role includes aiding Dakota/Ojibwe language immersion and collaborating with Wicoie Nandagikendan to deliver culturally responsive early childhood education.

You will assist with daily routines, supervise children, and support developmentally appropriate activities under trauma-informed guidelines, while

Qualifications

• Knowledge of child development for ages 6 weeks–5 years.
• Ability to meet physical requirements (lift up to 50 pounds).
• Strong communication with families and colleagues.
• Commitment to cultural humility and inclusive practices.
• Trauma-informed approach in childcare settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher with daily routines and activities.
• Supervise children and ensure safety at all times.
• Support language immersion activities in Dakota/Ojibwe classrooms.
• Follow DHS and CACFP procedures for health and safety.
• Prepare for parent–teacher conferences and document progress.
• Assist with field trips and family engagement events.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Effective communication

Cultural humility

Trauma-informed practice

Physical stamina

Education

DHS licensing: Minnesota Rule 9503

Job description

TFP HQ
1527 East lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA

Description

Who We Are

For more than 140 years, The Family Partnership has built strong families, vital communities, and better futures for children. We fulfill our mission through counseling, education, and advocacy, primarily in the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul area. The Family Partnership was founded in 1878 as the Minneapolis Humane Society to protect and serve children that were being abused or exploited. Along with a few name changes, our work has continually transformed to anticipate and address the evolving needs of families and individuals, many of whom are the most vulnerable in our community.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At The Family Partnership, we partner with you and in turn, we partner with those we serve. Our programs holistically address the needs of people in our community. Through our two-generation (2Gen) or whole family approach, we work with people so they can heal from trauma and adversity and move towards greater health and well-being. Our shared values establish a common purpose across our array of programs and services. You can bring your authentic self to the workplace, while practicing both cultural competence and inclusivity. We’re known for developing future leaders in the non-profit space and we expect employees to share their views. Our culture is one of open communication and transparency regardless of job level.

Wages $20.00 per hour

• Generous paid time off, plus 10 paid holidays
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and options for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Long-term disability insurance – the employer pays the premiums
• Employer-paid basic life insurance with the option for additional coverage paid by the employee
• Voluntary benefits: Accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, short-term disability insurance
• TFP sponsors a retirement plan with a tiered vesting schedule based on years of service, plus a 2% employer contribution after one year of service.
• This position is eligible for grant-funded additional compensation (typically up to +$2 per hour)

Because TFP is a member with Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC) who partners with St. Mary’s University, TFP employees and their spouses are also eligible for the following benefits at St. Mary’s University:

• Discounted tuition for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs
• Access to advancement (internships, job placement, field practice)

Job Summary

The Family Partnership is looking to hire an Assistant Teacher in their toddler classroom to support Lead Teachers at Four Directions, which is a full-day therapeutic education and care program for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Four Directions is committed to the revitalization of the Dakota and Ojibwe languages. TFP is honored to partner with Wicoie Nandagikendan to provide language immersion and culturally responsive early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Assisting the Lead Teacher in coordinating daily routines, transitions, learning activities, and self-selected play.
• Actively supervising children at all times to ensure safety and developmental support.
• Providing developmentally appropriate guidance aligned with trauma-informed practices.
• Supporting the center’s therapeutic approaches by following strategies recommended by therapists or specialists.
• Supporting Dakota/Ojibwe language immersion classrooms when coverage is needed.
• Reinforcing simple language activities (songs, greetings, routines) as provided by immersion teachers.
• Modeling respect and enthusiasm for Indigenous language revitalization efforts.
• Following DHS health and safety procedures, sanitation practices, emergency actions, and supervision ratios.
• Maintaining safe, clean classroom spaces through daily cleaning and disinfecting routines.
• Conducting safety checks for environments, equipment, and playground areas.
• Supporting meal service in compliance with CACFP standards.
• Assisting the Lead Teacher in observing and documenting children’s development.
• Participating in preparation for parent–teacher conferences.
• Maintaining accurate daily notes, attendance, and incident reports.
• Assisting with field trips, special events, and family engagement activities.
• Providing closing shift responsibilities as assigned, including resetting and sanitizing the classroom, securing materials and equipment, supporting final parent pick-ups, and communicating essential end-of-day details to the Lead Teacher or Director.

Who You Are

• You are at least 18 years old.
• You must be qualified under DHS licensing for Assistant Teachers under the Minnesota Rule 9503.
• You demonstrate knowledge of child development (ages 6 weeks–5 years).
• You can meet the physical requirements of the role, including lifting up to 50 pounds (to lift children and/or equipment as needed) and participating in active play with children.
• You communicate effectively and have the ability to work collaboratively with parents, colleagues, and diverse communities.
• You demonstrate a commitment to cultural humility, inclusivity, and trauma-informed practice.

Diversity and open expression are fundamental to the work of The Family Partnership. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment where everyone can belong. Every member of our team enriches our work by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in our sector: individuals who identify as BIPOC, Indigenous or people of culture, LGBTQI+ and gender fluid or gender nonconforming, individuals with disabilities (both seen and unseen), veterans, people of any age or family status. We value the contributions of a diverse workforce, and we welcome and encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We encourage you to apply even if you feel like you don't fit 100% of the technical requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, age, marital status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, criminal history (justice-impacted status), housing or homelessness status, height, or weight.

Our organization has a partnership with Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC) to provide administrative services including management of the hiring process. If you apply for this position, you may see references to MACC in some online materials.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.