Nurturing Preschool Assistant Teacher

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning Harrisburg is seeking a Preschool Assistant Teacher to support Lead and Associate Teachers in delivering the daily program for children aged birth to 5 years. The role emphasizes social-emotional learning, safe classroom practices, and collaboration with families.

The position is full-time in Harrisburg, PA, with starting pay between $19.29 and $20.08 per hour, depending on experience. A CDA pathway or eligibility is preferred for long-term growth.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma with the ability to obtain the CDA Accreditation within two years of hire, or qualifications equivalent to CDA (12 college credits in Early Childhood education, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Child Development)
• CDA Accreditation from the Council of Professional Recognition preferred
• Up to 1 year experience working with children from birth - 5 years/Early Childhood Education
• Level A or B certification in the PA ECE Career Pathway preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to effectively work with low-income families preferred
• Comfortable with technology including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and/or willingness to learn
• Responsible, enthusiastic, and cares about working in a mission-focused organization
• Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback
• Ability to physically interact with children (e.g., talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, etc.) and lift and move items up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutions
• Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and integrity as staff are role models for children
• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment background checks and clearances

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Lead Teacher and the Associate Teacher with the implementation of classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines and schedules
• Participating in classroom coaching cycles
• Engaging with children to support development and learning
• Supervising and providing a safe and nurturing environment for children
• Recognizing the needs of individual children and groups
• Providing the appropriate social emotional and learning supports
• Providing a safe and nurturing environment
• Assisting children with self-help and hygiene
• Completing all required program documentation and submitting them in a timely manner to the Lead Teacher
• As assigned by the Lead Teacher, communicating with families through program approved channels
• Completing daily attendance and meal participation reports
• Remaining compliant with all state licensing requirements as they pertain to health, safety, and professional requirements
• Acting as a role model for child development
• Maintaining confidentiality as it pertains to program, staff, and families

Education

High School Diploma with CDA eligibility

CDA Accreditation preferred

PA ECE Career Pathway Level A/B preferred

Job description

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning Harrisburg is seeking a Preschool Assistant Teacher to support Lead and Associate Teachers in delivering the daily program for children aged birth to 5 years. The role emphasizes social-emotional learning, safe classroom practices, and collaboration with families.

The position is full-time in Harrisburg, PA, with starting pay between $19.29 and $20.08 per hour, depending on experience. A CDA pathway or eligibility is preferred for long-term growth.