Early Childhood Center Assistant Teacher

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Philadelphia seeks an Assistant Teacher to support the Lead Teacher and assist in developing programs for early childhood education students. This role includes planning activities, maintaining classroom order, and supporting the aftercare program. The ideal candidate should have a CDA and two years' experience working with children. A bachelor's degree in education or early childhood education is preferred. This position offers a supportive environment and requires flexibility in working hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA).
• Strong ability to support curriculum implementation.
• Comfortable working with a diverse community.

Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Teacher with classroom activities.
• Plan and prepare activities for aftercare.
• Maintain order and a welcoming environment.

Skills

Child Development Associate (CDA)

Interpersonal and communication skills

Knowledge of child development theory

Ability to maintain classroom discipline

Team-based work structure

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or early childhood education

Two years of experience with children

Job description

Position Purpose

Under general supervision, the Assistant Teacher supports the classroom Lead Teacher in administering programs to provide educational development opportunities to early childhood education students and will also support the Aftercare program. Facilitates learning by establishing a relationship with the Lead Teacher and pupils through learning resources and the classroom environment. Develops and fosters the appropriate skills and social abilities to enable the optimum development of young children. This position starts August 28, 2026.

Essential Functions

• At the direction of the ECC Director and/or classroom Lead Teacher, assists with teaching and/or implementation of daily activities and duties.
• Plans and prepares activities for the children who stay for aftercare.
• May coordinate daily activities and supervise aides in the absence of the lead teacher.
• Assists with administering appropriate assessments and recording results.
• Prepares materials and classroom environment as directed by the Director and lead teacher.
• Assists with and participates in all classroom activities, including but not limited to snack and mealtimes, recess, and choice time.
• Supports the rules of conduct and creates a warm and welcoming learning environment.
• Maintains order in the classroom and throughout common areas of the campus, including the outside spaces such as the playground and garden.
• May counsel pupils when adjustment and academic problems arise.
• Discusses pupils' academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements with the lead classroom teacher and participates in parent conferences.
• May assist with classroom record-keeping and home communication.
• May assist with field trips.
• Collaborates with the classroom Lead Teachers and all departments and offices as required or requested.
• Assist with organizing meals and snacks for children.
• Helps children maintain good hygiene.
• Diaper changing of infants and toddlers, as well as toilet training support, as needed.
• Attends work and arrives/departs work at the appropriate times as determined by the immediate supervisor.
• Assumes other job‑related duties assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Qualifications

• At a minimum, a Child Development Associate (CDA) and two years of experience working with children in childcare or a classroom. A bachelor's degree in education and/or early childhood education is preferred.
• Ability to support the implementation of curriculum and assessments, and can utilize teaching methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Familiarity with content, curriculum, methods, materials, and equipment for early childhood education.
• Ability to facilitate activities for children that encourage healthy growth.
• Knowledge of applicable safety procedures.
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Ability to exercise control and maintain classroom discipline.
• Knowledge of child development theory and practice.
• Comfortable with a team‑based work structure; ability to demonstrate flexibility on the job.
• Demonstrates initiative, is conscientious, and provides complete follow‑through on areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrates sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members, with a continuous focus on healthy relationship‑building.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for issues of diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism.
• Ability to adhere to a flexible schedule, including working some shifts between 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
• If hired, a list of clearances and paperwork will need to be completed to comply with the State of Pennsylvania Office of Childhood Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). SCH will guide and assist with obtaining this paperwork.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Be able to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.
• Able to move around the classroom and other school environments.
• Regularly use close and distance vision.
• Turn, bend, reach, and occasionally climb.
• Work in a traditional climate‑controlled classroom environment with a moderate noise level.

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The School is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process and in employment as required by law.