Full Time - Assistant Teacher

Organization

Earthplace the Nature Center

Job Posted

October 7, 2024

Job status

Open

Job Category

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Website

https://earthplace.org/

Careers

Contact Name

Amanda Elaine Ciardi

Contact Email

preschooldirector@earthplace.org

Contact Phone

2035574400

Deadline to Apply

Location

Westport, CT
United States
Earthplace Preschool offers a unique brand of nature-based preschool in Westport, CT. Each day children learn through exploration, investigation and experimentation! The children construct their own learning using critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation.

Summary

Our program for preschool age children at Earthplace promises the same high quality of care and innovation. Preschool is all about building the social emotional skills these young children will need to be successful as they grow and eventually graduate into Kindergarten. While letters, numbers, and writing are important, at Earthplace, we focus our teaching and everyday learning on the social emotional building blocks of early childhood development. Teachers will be offered training opportunities throughout the year. At Earthplace, we encourage and expect teachers to increase their knowledge and facilitate the learning of young children!

Compensation Information

Accountability:

The Assistant Teacher reports to the Lead teacher and to the Preschool Coordinator and Preschool Director.

Required Qualifications:

  • ECE courses and/or 2 years working with toddlers and/or preschoolers.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Should be comfortable picking up 30 pounds to chest height

In addition, we are looking for:

  • A passion and commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of young children and families.
  • Hard-working, reliable and desire to learn
  • Working knowledge of CT Statutes and Regulations, NAEYC criteria, and the CT ELDS
  • Positive Attitude

An Assistant Teacher must demonstrate consistently the ability to:

  1. Establish and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.
  2. Advance cognitive and physical development using the CTPAF and the ELDS as a guide.
  3. Use multiple sources to assess and understand children’s needs.
  4. Adapt classroom routines, environment, and instructional methods and strategies to meet students’ needs.
  5. Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance.
  6. Establish positive and productive relationships with families.
  7. Ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs.
  8. Maintain a commitment to professional growth and development.

An Assistant Teacher must demonstrate consistently the willingness to:

  1. Maintain current CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration (including Epi-Pen), and OSHA training.
  2. Work on his or her Professional Development Plan.
  3. Accept guidance and coaching from his or her Lead Teacher.
  4. Attend professional development workshops and or college courses that meet the required 1% of hours worked per year.
  5. Spend at least one hour each day outdoors.
  6. Interact with nature in a meaningful and purposeful way.
  7. Get dirty.
  8. Keep the classroom clean according to the NAEYC and state licensing standards.
  9. Participate in and facilitate NAEYC Accreditation.
  10. Understand and adhere to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
  11. Be a supportive, collaborative team member with the teachers and staff.

An Assistant Teacher must understand that:

  1. Each child is an individual with a unique learning style, and a talented teacher must be able to adapt to each child’s needs either by modifying the schedule, intentionally arranging the equipment, or modifying teaching strategies.
  2. The teacher’s approach and demeanor set the tone for the classroom. An intentional, thoughtful approach and a calm demeanor are imperative for success with young children.
  3. Children need to be active.  At Earthplace, we encourage an hour each day of outdoor play time as well as unstructured interactions with nature.
  4. A teacher may use the curriculum as a flexible framework for teaching and to support the development of daily plans and learning experiences.
  5. The philosophy of Earthplace Nursery School is that children learn best by engaging in hands-on learning experiences, that the process of doing is as important as the product in a child’s development, and that children need to explore, create, and solve problems.

Schedule:

8am pm - 4:00 pm  Monday thru Friday  - Full Time

Salary:

This is a full time position and is elidable for benefits. Earthplace is currently offering $19/hour for this position.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Amanda Ciardi at preschooldirector@earthplace.org.