Job Summary
KinderPlace is a developmentally based, Reggio Emilia-inspired, high-quality early learning program that provides children with a rich and engaging learning experience. We are seeking a caring, collaborative, and responsive Assistant Teacher to join our team.
The Assistant Teacher works closely with the Head Teacher and teaching team to support a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment. The Assistant Teacher serves as a responsive caregiver, observer, and collaborator, supporting young children as they develop language, independence, social-emotional skills, and confidence through play, exploration, and relationships.
The Assistant Teacher actively participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the classroom program and supports the team in creating an environment that reflects the goals and values of KinderPlace. The Assistant Teacher observes children, supports their individual needs and development, and partners with the teaching team to provide a high-quality early learning experience.
Essential ResponsibilitiesCurriculum & Instruction
- Support the Head Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences based on the interests, needs, and developmental stages of the children.
- Actively engage with children during play, exploration, small-group experiences, and classroom routines.
- Encourage language development, problem-solving, movement, sensory exploration, and social interaction.
- Support opportunities for children to explore art, music, movement, dramatic play, building, and conversation.
- Follow the classroom schedule and routines while remaining responsive to children’s individual needs and interests.
- Assist with transitions, group experiences, meals, rest periods, toileting, and other daily classroom routines.
- Support children in developing independence and self-help skills.
Observation & Documentation
- Observe children throughout the day and share observations with the Head Teacher and teaching team.
- Help identify children’s interests, strengths, developmental needs, and emerging skills.
- Assist with documentation of children’s experiences through observations, photographs, portfolios, displays, and other classroom documentation.
- Use observations to help inform classroom planning and support individualized learning experiences.
Classroom Environment
- Help maintain a warm, safe, welcoming, and organized indoor and outdoor learning environment.
- Support the creation of inviting learning areas with open-ended materials, sensory experiences, natural elements, and developmentally appropriate provocations.
- Ensure classroom materials are clean, accessible, organized, and appropriately maintained.
- Assist with rotating materials and modifying the classroom environment based on children’s interests and developmental needs.
- Support the use of the JCC outdoor campus to encourage exploration, movement, and connection with nature.
- Maintain a clean and orderly classroom while following all health, safety, and sanitation procedures.
Social-Emotional Development
- Build warm, responsive, and trusting relationships with children.
- Foster a classroom culture rooted in kindness, empathy, respect, and belonging.
- Support children as they develop self-regulation, emotional expression, turn-taking, cooperation, and positive peer relationships.
- Use gentle, respectful, and developmentally appropriate guidance strategies.
- Help children navigate transitions, conflicts, and challenging moments with patience and consistency.
- Encourage children’s growing independence in routines such as toileting, dressing, feeding, and clean-up.
Team Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with the Head Teacher and teaching team to support the classroom’s educational goals and daily operations.
- Communicate openly and professionally with colleagues.
- Participate in classroom planning, meetings, professional development, and school-wide initiatives as appropriate.
- Provide consistent support to classroom routines and maintain continuity of care for children.
- Be flexible and willing to assist with classroom needs and responsibilities as they arise.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
Family Partnerships
- Develop respectful and welcoming relationships with children and families.
- Greet families warmly and communicate professionally during daily arrivals and departures.
- Share relevant information about children’s daily experiences with the Head Teacher and, as appropriate, with families.
- Respect and welcome each family’s culture, traditions, values, and perspectives.
- Support the teaching team in communicating children’s learning, development, and classroom experiences with families.
Professional Responsibilities
- Follow all KinderPlace and Stamford JCC policies and procedures.
- Maintain required licensing, health, safety, and professional development requirements.
- Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, flexibility, and a commitment to teamwork.
- Participate in ongoing professional learning and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
- Support an inclusive classroom community where every child and family feels valued, respected, and welcomed.
Qualifications
- Experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting preferred.
- Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team.
- Warm, patient, nurturing, and responsive approach to working with young children.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to the Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy and the image of the child as capable, curious, and competent.
- Ability to meet all applicable Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and KinderPlace employment requirements.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
