Child Care Associate Teacher

Brighthorizons; Orange (CT); On-site; USD 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free college degrees through Horizons

Hiring incentive up to $1,000

Health insurance access

Job summary

Bright Horizons is hiring an Associate Teacher to support toddlers/preschoolers in Orange, CT. This in-person role focuses on hands-on activities, family communication, and a safe, well‑organized classroom aligned with Bright Horizons policies.

We offer pursuing a CDA or college degree at no cost, and a bonus incentive. The position requires background checks, eligibility at 18+, and prior child care experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must pass required state and company background checks.
• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required.
• 1 year of experience in child care, daycare, or preschool preferred.
• CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with hands-on activities to meet children's needs and interests.
• Maintain open communication with parents, sharing daily milestones.
• Ensure a safe, clean classroom by following procedures and guidelines.

Skills

Background checks

Parent communication

Child care experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA/Associate/Bachelor in early education preferred

Job description

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons , where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives every day. Learn from early education experts while having the opportunity to pursue a CDA or college degree at no cost. Experience this and more as a Bright Horizons Associate Teacher .

We are currently hiring Associate Teachers at the following centers:

• Bright Horizons at Orange- Toddlers/ Preschool
• Yale New Haven Health Child Care Center- Infants/ Toddlers/ Preschool

Responsibilities:

• Assist with hands‑on activities to meet the needs and interests of the children
• Maintain open communication with parents, sharing their child's daily milestones
• Ensure a safe and clean classroom by following essential procedures and guidelines

Qualifications:

• Candidates must pass required state and company background checks, and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:
• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required
• 1 year of experience working in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred
• CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons', and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training.
• If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery and services per Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee.
• Frequently lift, carry, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, or hold weight more than 40 pounds
• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities
• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements
• The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions . Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy‑related limitations.

Compensation:

• The hourly rate for this position is between $17.20 - $21.40 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.
• This position is also eligible for up to $1,000 Hiring Incentive.
• Hiring incentive is paid out 100 days after start date
• Start date must be on or before December 31st, 2026
• $1,000 for full-time and $500 for part‑time

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Long‑term and short‑term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Money‑saving discounts and financial planning tools
• Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program
• Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family

Location:

This position requires in‑person work in the Orange, CT

Life at Bright Horizons:

At Bright Horizons, you're more than your job title - you're the difference . Whether you're nurturing a child's first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We're a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.