Early Learning Center Program Assistant (Floater)

Summary

Dynamic teaching position supporting all classrooms serving children from birth through age five. Maintain consistent quality of care and education while adapting to different age groups, teaching styles, and classroom needs. Implement curriculum aligned with Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) while providing coverage and support across all early childhood programs.

Duties

Adaptable Classroom Support

• Provide coverage in all classrooms (infant, toddler, and preschool) as needed
• Adapt teaching style and approach to match each age group's developmental needs
• Support implementation of classroom-specific routines and schedules
• Maintain consistency with established classroom management systems
• Follow individual classroom curriculum plans and daily activities
• Support CT ELDS implementation across age groups
• Assist with transitions between activities
• Maintain flexibility to shift between classrooms as needed

Age-Appropriate Care and Education

Infant Care (Birth-18 months)

• Support individual feeding and sleeping schedules
• Provide nurturing physical and emotional care
• Implement appropriate sensory and developmental activities
• Support gross motor development and tummy time
• Follow safe sleep practices
• Document daily care routines

Toddler Support (18-36 months)

• Support toilet training initiatives
• Encourage emerging independence
• Facilitate early language development
• Guide positive peer interactions
• Support physical development through active play
• Maintain consistent behavioral expectations

Preschool Assistance (3-5 years)

• Support implementation of structured learning activities
• Assist with small and large group instruction
• Encourage problem-solving and critical thinking
• Support emerging academic skills
• Foster social skill development
• Guide independent play and exploration

Health and Safety

• Maintain knowledge of health protocols for all age groups
• Follow proper sanitization procedures for each classroom
• Implement age-appropriate safety measures
• Support proper hand washing and hygiene practices
• Assist with meal and snack time procedures
• Follow proper diapering and toileting procedures
• Maintain safe sleep practices for infants
• Monitor indoor and outdoor environments for safety

Communication and Documentation

• Communicate effectively with all teaching teams
• Support documentation systems in each classroom
• Maintain confidentiality across all programs
• Share relevant observations with classroom teachers
• Assist with daily communication to families
• Document accidents or incidents as required
• Support DOTS assessment documentation
• Maintain accurate attendance records

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of developmental needs across age groups
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings
• Participate in professional development opportunities
• Build positive relationships with all staff members
• Follow center policies and procedures
• Support program quality improvement efforts
• Assist with special events and family engagement
• Participate in team planning as needed

Requirements

• A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition.
• Or
• A CDA Credential equivalent as defined by NAEYC as at least 12 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education.

• Or
• High school diploma or equivalent, must earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) or be enrolled in an accredited Early Childhood Education college/university degree program within the first year of employment.
• High energy.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• An understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.

Nice To Haves

• Brightwheel software
• Children's educational software
• Desktop computers
• Educational board games
• Educational puzzles
• Educational toys
• Google Workspace
• Emergency first aid kits
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word