Teacher Assistant (Early Childhood Education)

Starting salary: $16.82 per hour. Full-time, non-exempt position (40 hours per week).

About the role

As a Teacher Assistant at Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM), you will support the implementation of an early-childhood, developmentally focused educational program. APM has been helping families in North Philadelphia achieve their greatest potential since 1970 through early-childhood education, foster care & adoption, child welfare, mental & behavioral health, community and economic development, housing, and community-school services.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the lead Teacher, parents, and volunteers to plan and execute daily classroom activities.
• Develop a culturally relevant education program that includes classroom activities, group socialization, and take-home activities.
• Complete and review child developmental assessments in conjunction with the Teacher.
• Organize the classroom into developmentally and culturally appropriate learning centers.
• Create a welcoming atmosphere for parents, children, and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding families and children; share information only with staff on a “need-to-know” basis.
• Complete required record-keeping: attendance forms, volunteer logs, meal participation sheets, permission slips, etc.
• Assist in writing weekly lesson plans and progress reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Physical demands: lift 20–40 pounds during the day, stand for extended periods, and walk up to 3 miles weekly.

Requirements

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or 3 Early Childhood Education credits.
• Two years of classroom experience in early care and education, preferably with preschool-age children and working families.
• Knowledge of or experience working with at-risk children.
• Bilingual and bicultural in the Latino culture preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance through Independence Administrators or $100/month reimbursement with proof of current insurance.
• Vision and dental plans through SunLife.
• Basic life insurance (100% employer-funded).
• 403B retirement plan with company contribution.
• Flexible spending accounts for health, childcare, and public transportation.
• Employee Assistance Program: free counseling, trainings, webinars, and resources.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (APM is a non-profit).
• Voluntary plans: accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee referral program.
• 5 days of paid time off (illness, vacation, appointments, emergencies).
• 12 paid holidays.
• 8 weeks of paid summer break.

Schedule

Mondays through Fridays; hours vary by center.

Location: Rising Stars, 4221 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.