Assistant ECE Teacher

The Aspen Grove School is looking to hire Assistant Teachers.

• Are you interested in building a career within a nature-based ECE program that brings together experiences with nature along with the vibe of city living?
• Does a Reggio-inspired environment that puts children at the center of their own learning experience appeal to you?
• Are you looking for a supportive workplace with competitive pay and benefits with career progression?

We are a nature-based early learning center in Center City Philadelphia serving approximately 180 children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years. Our newly constructed facility is spacious, filled with natural light and intentionally prepared to spark wonder, curiosity and calm.

We are wholeheartedly optimistic about every child's potential and are looking for a teacher who shares this optimism, is self-motivated, and brings enthusiasm and energy to the role. We value building a dedicated team of educators who build longevity with the school and grow with us.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for co-teaching, ensuring the supervision and safety as well as the academic, social, and emotional growth and development of all children in their care. The assistant teacher is also responsible for assuring compliance with all state and local governing contracting agencies as well as the supervision of other staff members working in their classroom. All staff must believe in and act in accordance with Aspen Grove's program mission and vision statements.

Educational Requirements:

• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Two years of teaching experience.

Desired Additional Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education with 30 credits in ECE.
• Teaching certification is a plus.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Greet each child and parent/caregiver as they arrive and pick up each day.
• Maintain professional confidentiality for every family in the center.
• Work with the lead teacher to develop and implement weekly, age-appropriate lesson plans to nurture and stimulate all domains of children s development.
• Work with the lead teacher to provide a developmentally appropriate, inviting classroom environment that supports the goals of the program.
• Plan, evaluate, and improve the physical environment in the classroom with the lead teacher to create opportunities to meet the changing needs of the developing child.
• Perform ongoing developmental evaluations of children and prepare progress reports as needed.
• The complete orientation of the classroom with new parents.
• Maintain ongoing, open communications with parents/caregivers, and lead teacher.
• Plan periodical conferences with parents/caregivers to discuss children's developmental progress, needs, and interests.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely agency records.
• Complete weekly planning with the Lead Teacher.
• Participate in professional development opportunities in accordance with state, local, and STARS requirements.
• Change diapers/pull-ups as needed and assist with toilet training once appropriate.
• Provide a classroom environment that fosters parent participation.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for every child s background and culture.
• Complete daily health checks regarding hygiene, safety, and well-being of children.
• Report any signs of abuse to ChildLine as well as the Center Director.
• Practice and model good hygiene i.e. frequent, proper handwashing, sanitizing and disinfecting classroom furniture, etc.
• Maintain a properly stocked First Aid kit.
• Administer first aid as needed following universal precautions and infection control practices.
• Maintain an updated Training Record on PA Keys.
• Attend and participate meaningfully in monthly staff meetings.
• Participate in monthly supervision with Center Director.
• Participate in bi-annual evaluations with Center Director.

Additional Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices.
• Good communication, problem-solving, and prioritizing skills.
• Positive and professional attitude and disposition.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement developmentally appropriate activities.
• Ability to use technology to input data.
• Good decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage information and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to lift/carry up to fifty pounds.
• Ability to move easily and comfortably with children throughout the day i.e. sitting, standing, squatting, etc.
• Ability to print and speak sufficiently with parents and children.
• Ability to maneuver steps, possibly while carrying children.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer very competitive compensation based on your credentials, including an annual bonus, paid time off and many opportunities for professional development. Our health insurance options are robust and we contribute towards monthly premium payments. Our school calendar recognizes the need for downtime and has built in holidays for all teachers which includes a spring break and a winter break between the week of Christmas and New Year.

All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and adolescents who are served by our agency. Therefore, each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, adolescents, and adults who may have mental or behavioral health problems. The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions, as well as appropriate role modeling. Hostility, aggression, and unnecessary or inappropriate physical actions, as well as inappropriate emotional expression, are not acceptable.

The Aspen Grove School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Aspen Grove School is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• ECE file (Preferred)
• Child Development Associate Certification or ECE degree (Preferred)

Work Location: In person