Job Summary
Growing Minds Collective is a private early childhood education program serving children ages 6 months to 5 years. Rooted in a nature-based, play-centered philosophy, our program blends inspiration from the Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf approaches to create a joyful, child-led learning environment where curiosity, creativity, and meaningful relationships thrive.
We are entering an exciting new chapter as we transition from a licensed family childcare program to a licensed group childcare home, increasing our enrollment capacity and expanding our impact within the community. As our program grows, we remain committed to maintaining the close-knit culture, low teacher-to-child ratios, and individualized approach that have become the foundation of Growing Minds Collective.
Position Summary
The Assistant Teacher is a collaborative member of our teaching team, providing support wherever it is needed throughout the day. Rather than being assigned to a single classroom, this role works alongside both our infant/toddler and preschool educators, helping ensure each classroom operates smoothly while maintaining consistency in the children's experience.
The ideal candidate is flexible, proactive, and enjoys working with children across a variety of developmental stages. They understand that every day looks a little different and are excited to contribute wherever they can have the greatest impact.
Position Details
- Position Type: Part-Time (with the ability to grow into full time as our program continues to grow)
- Start Date: September 1, 2026
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30am to 2:00pm (for the month of September, the hours will be 9:00am to 2:00pm
- Location: Norwalk, CT
- Occasional staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and special events may be required.
Primary Responsibilities
- Provide classroom support to both infant/toddler and preschool classrooms based on the daily needs of the program.
- Support daily routines including meals, diapering, toileting, rest time, transitions, and outdoor learning.
- Assist our Lead Teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences through play, exploration, and nature-based activities.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting learning environment through consistent organization and adherence to the program's daily and weekly cleaning schedules.
- Sanitize toys, learning materials, equipment, and classroom spaces in accordance with state licensing requirements and Growing Minds Collective’s health and safety standards.
- Help prepare and reset classrooms throughout the day so learning environments remain organized, engaging, and ready for children's exploration.
- Anticipate classroom needs by replenishing supplies, organizing materials, and assisting with classroom setup and breakdown.
- Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities, including nature walks and community outings.
- Follow all Connecticut Office of Early Childhood licensing requirements and Growing Minds Collective policies and procedures.
- Foster a collaborative team environment by stepping in wherever additional support is needed to ensure the program operates smoothly.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Currently pursuing, planning to pursue, or holding a degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, Special Education, or a related field.
- Experience working with young children in an early childhood setting, camp, school, or similar environment.
- Passion for early childhood education and child development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team.
- Flexible, dependable, and willing to support the needs of the program each day.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain a clean, safe, organized, and engaging learning environment.
- Must meet all Connecticut Office of Early Childhood licensing requirements for employment.
- CPR/First Aid certified (or willing to obtain upon hire).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a preschool, childcare, or nature-based education program.
- Familiarity with child-led, play-based philosophies such as Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or Waldorf.
- Interest in building a long-term career in early childhood or elementary education.
- Enthusiasm for growing alongside an expanding program with opportunities for increased responsibility and leadership over time.
To qualify as a candidate, you must submit a resume to our Program Director:
Jamie Torns
[email protected]
Join Our Team Today!
We're looking for an educator who sees early childhood education as more than a job—someone who is passionate about child development, values strong relationships with children and families, and is excited to grow alongside a program that is evolving.
We believe the best educators are lifelong learners who bring curiosity, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit to their work each day.
As our program continues to expand from a family childcare program into a comprehensive early childhood education center, this position offers the opportunity to grow with us. Our long-term vision includes infant and preschool programs, companion & me classes, K–2 learning pods, and other innovative educational offerings that support children and families throughout the early years.
If you're looking to build a meaningful career in early childhood or elementary education and want to be part of shaping something special from the ground up, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
- First Aid Certification (Preferred)
- Assistant or Substitute License with the State of CT OEC (Preferred)
Location:
- Norwalk, CT 06854 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Norwalk, CT 06854 (Required)
Work Location: In person
