Preschool Associate Teacher

Chs Kids; Middletown Township (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in early childhood education is seeking a passionate Associate Teacher to support children's educational and emotional growth. This role involves collaborating with the Lead Teacher to implement engaging lesson plans and create a nurturing classroom environment that respects each child's family culture. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to the mission of empowering families and enhancing children's well-being. If you are enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of young learners and thrive in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• Current Child Development Associate credential or relevant college credits required.
• Experience in Early Childhood Education and knowledge of NAEYC standards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement classroom lesson plans and enhance children's development.
• Supervise children and maintain a safe, nurturing environment.

Skills

Early Childhood Education

Interpersonal Skills

Classroom Management

Technology Proficiency

Problem-Solving

Education

Child Development Associate credential

12 college credits in early childhood education

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

The Associate Teacher is an individual passionate about education, and excited about working with children to further their educational and emotional growth. In collaboration with the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Teacher, the Associate Teacher is responsible for supporting the implementation of the early childhood classroom curriculum and assessment process, involving families in classroom experiences, and cultivating a classroom environment that represents each child's family culture. This individual is responsible for supporting the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing the daily education program for children. The Associate Teacher reports to the Assistant Director to provide information should a risk of issue arise. Starting salary is in the range $40,973 to $55,000 per year, based on expertise.

Responsibilities:

• Implementing classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines/schedules
• Participating in classroom coaching cycles
• Enhancing social, emotional, and cognitive development through age-specific manipulatives, activities, and language experiences for children
• Supervising and providing a safe and nurturing environment for children
• Observing, assessing, and documenting each assigned child's health, skills, behavior, growth, and development
• Assuming Lead Teacher's responsibilities in the Lead Teacher's temporary absence
• Ensuring general classroom management, organization, cleanliness, and maintenance
• Caring for safety and hygiene of children on a frequent basis
• Scheduling family/staff conferences and, in collaboration with the Lead Teacher, conducting meetings
• Maintaining daily communication with families using multiple channels of communication
• Completing all required program documentation and submitting it in a timely manner to the Lead Teacher
• 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

Qualifications:

• Current Child Development Associate credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition OR at least 12 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education; level A or B certification in the PA ECE Career Pathway preferred
• Experience and knowledge in Early Childhood Education program and teaching standards, including code of ethics - NAEYC standards preferred
• Familiar with inquiry-based and project approach learning, as well as PBIS strategies preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to effectively work with low-income families preferred
• Comfortability with technology including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and /or willingness to learn
• Excels at engaging with parents/caregivers, including initiating discussions when necessary
• Responsible, enthusiastic, and cares about working in a mission-focused organization
• Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, and educate teams
• Ability to physically interact with children (e.g., talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, etc.) and lift and or move items of 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 demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are considered to be role models for children
• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment background checks and clearances

Who we are and what we’re looking for

At CHS, we are leaders passionate about early childhood education and community betterment. Our work is driven by the desire to endow children with the resources for educational and physical well-being, while supporting and empowering their families. We listen to the needs of our diverse community and adapt to give everyone a voice. We hold each-other accountable for bringing our best and most authentic selves to school every day, creating an environment of mutual respect.

We strive to build a team of individuals that is passionate about our mission, brings in new creative ideas, and loves their work. If this sounds like you, we look forward to seeing your application.

About Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning

At Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, we nurture children, support them in discovering their world, and help them grow to reach their fullest potential. We are passionate educators, caregivers, and role models dedicated to successful early childhood development. We believe that a rich and solid foundation, along with a nurturing and supportive environment, is critical to helping children grow. We focus on the whole child, helping them flourish in mind and body. And we set them on a path to become their strongest, brightest, and best selves in school and beyond.

Catherine Hershey’s dream was to provide children with a well-rounded education. That dream lives on in her name and is our mission at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.