Assistant Teacher

General Description

ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that provides early childhood education and holistic family support. ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 403(b) plan with a 5% employer match, and employee assistance programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Auxiliary in child assessment documentation.
• Support classroom routines and transitions throughout the day.
• Engage with children during learning, play, and meal times.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Maintain supervision and safety of children at all times.
• Assist with daily health checks and hygiene routines.
• Follow all safety, emergency, and sanitation procedures.
• Greet and communicate with families in a friendly and professional manner.
• Support parent involvement activities as directed by the Lead Teacher or Center Manager.
• Assist in Home Visits and Parent Conferences as directed by the Lead Teacher or Center Manager.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to support classroom goals and individual child needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and coaching opportunities.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Requirements

• Assistant Teacher: High School Diploma or GED and completion of CDA credential or an associate or baccalaureate degree in ECE or related field within 2 years of hire.
• Assistant Teacher I: High School Diploma or GED and National CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment and promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate.
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
• Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity.
• Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Willingness to learn and continue personal education.

Certifications

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children.
• Renew every 2 years.
• Current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• At least 10 hours of state-approved training completed within the first 90 days of employment.
• 25 hours of annual training (January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, curriculum, and program operations.
• Training must be Georgia state-approved and documented in the staff member’s personnel file.

Environmental Conditions

• Indoor classroom and outdoor playground settings.
• Tolerance for noise and high activity levels.

Essential Physical Skills

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed to assist children or move classroom materials.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.
• Capacity to respond quickly and physically in emergency situations.
• Regular visual and auditory monitoring of children to ensure safety and engagement.
• Tolerance for high noise levels and a fast-paced, physically active environment.