Assistant Teacher (PT) - Kindergarten Prep

About the Role

The part-time Assistant Teacher supports the classroom during assigned instructional and program hours. The position assists with small-group activities, classroom routines, active supervision, transitions, behavior support, classroom organization, and student safety. The Assistant Teacher helps maintain a consistent, nurturing learning environment and reinforces the academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and independence skills children need to succeed in first grade.

Responsibilities

• Classroom and Instructional Support:
  • Support the Head Teacher and Full-Time Assistant Teacher in implementing planned lessons and classroom activities.
  • Reinforce early literacy, writing, mathematics, communication, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills.
  • Lead or assist with assigned small-group activities, learning centers, read-alouds, games, movement activities, and hands-on projects.
  • Help children follow classroom routines, listen to directions, complete tasks, work independently, and interact positively with peers.
  • Prepare and organize classroom materials, learning centers, student supplies, and activity spaces.
  • Provide individual support to children as directed by the Head Teacher.
• Supervision and Safety:
  • Actively supervise children during classroom activities, meals, transitions, bathroom breaks, outdoor play, arrival, dismissal, and other assigned program periods.
  • Maintain required child-to-staff ratios and account for children at all times.
  • Use positive, developmentally appropriate behavior-support practices.
  • Respond calmly to challenging behavior and immediately seek assistance when a situation requires additional support.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and healthy classroom environment.
  • Follow all BGCH and applicable OEC, DCF, School Readiness, NAEYC, licensing, health, and safety requirements.
  • Immediately report injuries, illnesses, incidents, behavioral concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, or other safety concerns to the Head Teacher or Director.
• Communication and Teamwork:
  • Communicate regularly with the classroom team regarding student needs, classroom activities, safety concerns, and assigned responsibilities.
  • Share relevant student observations with the Head Teacher.
  • Greet children and families warmly and professionally.
  • Provide routine information to parents and caregivers while referring significant questions or concerns to the Head Teacher.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Professional Responsibilities:
  • Maintain reliable attendance, punctuality, and readiness to work during assigned hours.
  • Follow classroom schedules, assignments, and supervisory direction.
  • Participate in required meetings, training, and professional-development activities.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Work is performed in classroom, gym, meal-service, outdoor, and community settings.
  • Must be able to actively supervise children throughout the workday.
  • Must be able to respond promptly to safety needs, participate in classroom and outdoor activities, and lift or assist with up to 30 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Early childhood education coursework, Child Development Associate credential, associate degree, or progress toward required early childhood credentials preferred.
• Previous experience working with young children in a childcare, school, camp, or youth-development environment preferred.
• Ability to follow lesson plans, classroom procedures, and supervisory direction.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated patience, dependability, sound judgment, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background checks, health clearances, certifications, and registration through the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Professional Registry.
• Ability to provide required educational, health, reference, and licensing documentation.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, primarily 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Pay

$17.50 - $19.00 an hour