Temporary Infant Assistant Teacher - Early Learning Center

Description

*This is a temporary position to cover for maternity leave*

Little Cubs Early Learning Center  

Little Cubs Early Learning Center will be an educational hub dedicated to the growth, development, and care of children from birth to three years old. With a commitment to providing a secure and nurturing environment where young minds can explore, play, and learn,

Little Cubs will offer a variety of activities specifically designed to stimulate cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development with the mission of laying a solid foundation for children's future academic success. 
 

The faculty at Little Cubs will be part of a passionate team of educators, dedicated to developing a top-tier early childhood center while ensuring the care and love of each child.

Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for supporting the daily classroom activities and caring for children. The ideal candidate should have a passion for childcare, experience in early education, and the ability to contribute positively to the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Contribute to delivering a quality program that caters to each child’s needs and aligns with the mission and objectives of Little Cubs.  
• Support the lead teacher in creating a nurturing and secure environment for all children. 
• Assist in the planning and implementation of educational activities. 
• Monitor the children during indoor and outdoor activities. 
• Assist with children's hygiene needs in compliance with Connecticut state regulations including changing diapers and pull-ups for children who require them, washing hands, and attending to other essential needs such as changing clothes. 
• Help prepare daily snacks and help children during clean-up time. 
• Ensure all children’s belongings are packed into their backpacks and removed from their cubbies before dismissal each day. 
• Assist in maintaining a clean and organized classroom. 
• Observe children and report any health, behavior, or learning issues to the lead teacher. 
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children at all times, while assisting in fostering an environment conducive to their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Adhere to local, state, and federal regulations, following the Connecticut Preschool Assessment Framework and curriculum.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and collaborate with lead teachers to prepare activities and projects for discussion. 
• Meet continuing education requirements by attending professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the lead teacher, Assistant Director/Head Teacher, or Director. 

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• High School diploma or equivalent, or a minimum of 540 hours of experience in working with unrelated children of a comparable age group.  
• MUST have Infant Care experience.
• At least 1 year of experience working in an early childhood classroom.
• Must provide documentation of a physical examination and a negative TINE test, valid within one year of employment.
• Must maintain active and up-to-date certifications in professional development, first aid, CPR, medical, and EpiPen.
• Patience and ability to remain calm and composed in all situations. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administration, and staff.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the program are required.  

Working Conditions and Environment  

• Early Childhood Teachers spend the majority of their time in a classroom setting, assisting children with their activities and personal needs. This involves interacting with various objects, apparatus, and equipment used in these activities. 
• Primarily works in an active classroom setting, aiding teachers and children in various activities. This can include supporting children with personal needs such as toileting, changing clothes and transitions to and from changing tables.
• Consistent interaction with teaching staff, students, and parents, and may be exposed to periods of loud noise from classroom activities and interactions.
• Encounter bodily fluids such as urine, feces, saliva, and vomit, and will have daily exposure to varying weather or temperature conditions, particularly in outdoor and pool areas.
• May occasionally entail standing or walking throughout different locations such as the classroom, playground, office, building, or grounds.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs when necessary as well as some light to moderate lifting of supplies or materials may be required. 
• Work conditions may range from a traditional climate-controlled office setting to outdoor weather conditions, including severe heat and cold. Noise levels can vary from loud environments like cafeterias and playgrounds to more moderate settings like classrooms or large professional group settings.
• The work environment involves dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a diverse range of contacts.

Classification: Temporary, Leave Replacement 

Duration: 8 weeks (anticipated February - June)

Type: Hourly 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Reports to: Director of Early Childhood Center  

Please note: This job description is not meant to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or activities that the employee is expected to perform. The specifics of this role may change at any time, with or without advance notice.