Support Teacher

Early Alpine Academy; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 27,552 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks of paid time off

Health insurance with employer contribution

401(k) retirement plan with employer matching

Childcare subsidy

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Early Alpine Academy in Bozeman, Montana is seeking a Support Teacher to foster a nurturing and engaging environment for children from infancy through preschool. This role involves stepping in as needed across different classrooms, providing stability and nurturing support during the day.

The ideal candidate will have a calm presence, build meaningful connections with children, and collaborate effectively with fellow teachers. The position offers competitive pay, benefits, and a commitment to professional development.

Qualifications

• Must bring a calm, grounded presence to busy moments.
• Eager to learn on the job and grow professionally.
• Able to engage with young children physically.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent classroom coverage when needed.
• Support children through transitions and busy moments.
• Build positive connections through play and interaction.
• Reset learning spaces and prepare materials.
• Collaborate with various teachers throughout the day.

Skills

Calm presence

Relationship building

Observation

Communication

Education

Enrolled in Montana Early Childhood Practitioner Registry (Level 0-2)

Job description

Support Teacher

Reports To: Center Director

Pay Rate: $20–$24/hour

About Early Alpine Academy

Early Alpine Academy is a play-based, relationship-driven early learning program located in the heart of downtown Bozeman. We serve children from infancy through preschool with consistent daily rhythms, a team that truly shows up, and a deep commitment to connection—between teachers and children, between families and caregivers, and within our teaching team itself.

Our classrooms and outdoor space are full of joyful play, hands-on exploration, and rich opportunities for social-emotional growth. Whether we’re building with blocks, exploring nature, or diving into art and STEAM projects, we believe learning happens best when children feel safe, seen, and excited to be here. We work closely with Bozeman’s working families to create a warm, dependable partnership—and a daily experience that feels as good as it is developmentally sound.

About the Role

As a Support Teacher, you’ll play a unique and essential role in the rhythm of our day. This position is ideal for someone who loves variety, enjoys being on the move, and feels energized by working with many different children and teachers throughout the day.

Rather than being assigned to a single classroom, Support Teachers float between classrooms, stepping in where support is most needed. This includes being the first to step into a classroom when a Lead or Assistant Teacher is out, helping provide continuity, stability, and care for children while keeping the day running smoothly. You’ll help create calm during transitions, support teachers during busy moments, and adapt with confidence when plans shift.

Support Teachers are deeply trusted members of our team. You’ll bring a steady, positive presence wherever you go, build quick and meaningful connections with children, and collaborate with many teachers throughout the day. This role is perfect for someone who is go-with-the-flow, observant, collaborative, and eager to learn on the job.

No two days look exactly the same—and that’s what makes this role both challenging and rewarding.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Stepping into classrooms throughout the day to provide consistent, reliable coverage—especially when a Lead or Assistant Teacher is out—helping maintain continuity and care for children
• Being a calm, grounding presence across the center, supporting children through transitions, busy moments, and changes in routine with patience and warmth
• Working with children of different ages, meeting them where they are and building quick, positive connections through play and responsive interaction
• Supporting daily rhythms such as drop-off, meals, outdoor time, rest time, and classroom transitions so children feel safe and secure
• Collaborating with many teachers throughout the day, adapting to different classroom styles while staying aligned with Early Alpine’s shared values and expectations
• Jumping in during high-energy or high-need moments, offering extra support, flexibility, and care when it matters most
• Helping maintain a beautiful, ready learning environment by resetting spaces, preparing materials, and keeping shared areas safe, clean, and organized
• Learning on the job by observing experienced teachers, asking questions, and growing skills across age groups and classroom settings

Job Requirements

• Brings a calm, grounded presence to busy or unpredictable moments and builds positive, respectful relationships with children and adults
• Curious, observant, and eager to learn on the job, with a commitment to growing professionally
• Communicates clearly and warmly with children, families, and team members
• Reliable and accountable—someone teammates can count on to step in and follow through
• Enrolled in the Montana Early Childhood Practitioner Registry (Level 0–2 to start)
• Eligible to pass a background check and obtain CPR/First Aid certification
• Physically able to engage with young children throughout the day, including lifting, bending, and active play

Compensation & Benefits

• 3 weeks of paid time off, plus paid holidays
• Health insurance with employer contribution
• Optional dental, vision, accident, and voluntary life & AD&D coverage
• Employer-paid long-term disability and $25,000 life & AD&D coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Childcare subsidy
• Paid sabbatical program
• Paid parental leave