Associate Teacher

Early Childhood Development Center; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Early Childhood Development Center in Notre Dame seeks an Associate Shared Teacher for a full-time position. This role involves supporting Co-Lead Teachers in a developmentally appropriate program that fosters creativity and meets individual children's needs.

The ideal candidate will have a CDA, Associate's, or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a passion for working with young children. Essential skills include creating a safe and nurturing environment and strong communication with families and staff.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children in a group setting.
• Successful completion of pediatric First Aid and CPR training.

Responsibilities

• Support Co-Lead Teachers with planning and implementing programs.
• Create a nurturing learning environment.
• Build positive relationships with children.

Skills

Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Child supervision

Community communication

Creating safe learning environments

Education

CDA, Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

ECDC Associate Shared Teacher

Position Overview

The Associate Shared Teacher is a full-time, 12-month professional position, typically scheduled 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• CDA, Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Previous experience working with children in a group setting
• Knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practices
• Physically able to lift 40 pounds and meet the demands of supervising young children
• Able to visually and audibly supervise children both indoors and outdoors
• Successful completion of pediatric First Aid and CPR training
• Passing scores on physical exam, criminal history check, and drug screening

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate Project Approach Curriculum
• Creates and maintains a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
• Builds positive relationships with preschool and school-age children
• Demonstrates understanding of child development and how young children learn
• Applies appropriate classroom guidance and management strategies
• Demonstrates emotional and social maturity to respond responsibly in stressful or crisis situations
• Shows sensitivity to children's individual learning, emotional, social, physical, and creative needs
• Implements Indiana Licensing Regulations and NAEYC Accreditation Standards
• Visually observes and supervises children's activities indoors and outdoors
• Lifts children and equipment up to 40 pounds; bends and kneels to children's eye level
• Moves quickly to intervene in unsafe situations
• Communicates openly and positively with children, families, college students, and ECDC staff

Primary Responsibilities

The Associate Shared Teacher supports the Co-Lead Teachers in planning and implementing a developmental program consistent with ECDC's philosophy, NAEYC Accreditation standards, and Indiana child care licensing requirements. This includes assisting with a Project Approach Curriculum that encourages creativity and divergent thinking and is responsive to children's interests. Learning activities include art, language arts, math, music, science, social science, free-choice activities, and gross and fine motor development — all centered on each child's physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and creative growth.

Ancillary Responsibilities

• Attending scheduled teacher meetings
• Pursuing ongoing professional development (in-service opportunities, conferences, and/or coursework) to meet Indiana Licensing and NAEYC Accreditation requirements
• Establishing and maintaining open, communicative relationships with families
• Assisting Co-Lead Teachers with room arrangement and materials; maintaining a safe, healthy, clean, orderly, and welcoming learning environment
• Supervising Assistant Teachers and college students (both paid and volunteer)
• Providing input to Co-Lead Teachers regarding educational materials, equipment, and supplies for the learning environment
• Modeling and maintaining confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, students, and volunteers, in accordance with ECDC policies and director guidelines
• Communicating regularly with Co-Lead Teachers about relevant information, including atypical situations, concerns, and ideas related to children, families, and the program
• Working cooperatively with ECDC administrators, Co-Lead Teachers, Associate and Assistant Teachers, and college students as a collaborative team member
• Serving as substitute Co-Lead Teacher as needed, including coverage in various ECDC rooms
• Assisting with Food Service as needed, including serving lunch and helping with lunch clean up