Assistant Preschool Educator

Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania•Pittsburgh, PA

24d•$37,000 - $40,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Preschool Teacher works collaboratively with the Lead Preschool Teacher to support high-quality early childhood programming for children ages 3–5. The role helps create safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments that promote cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development. It assists with classroom instruction, routines, supervision, and family engagement while supporting compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Chapter 3270 regulations, Keystone STARS expectations, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) safety standards. The position is full-time, salaried/exempt, and includes direct service responsibilities. Work takes place at the Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse in Lawrenceville, with morning and afternoon hours Monday through Friday. Compensation is $37,000–$40,000 annually. The successful candidate is nurturing, energetic, collaborative, and passionate about early childhood education, with a commitment to child safety, professionalism, and continuous learning.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field that meets PA DHS Chapter 3270 Group Supervisor qualifications.
At least three years of experience working with preschool-aged children.
Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 3–5.
Strong classroom management and positive behavior support skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
Proficiency with Google Workspace and basic technology applications.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to collaborate with the Lead Preschool Teacher and multidisciplinary team.
Strong time management, flexibility, and willingness to assist wherever needed.

Nice To Haves

CDA credential, Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, or ability to meet Pennsylvania DHS Chapter 3270 Assistant Group Supervisor qualifications.
At least one year of experience working with preschool-aged children in a licensed childcare or early childhood setting.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a teaching team.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
Basic computer and technology skills.

Responsibilities

Support the Lead Preschool Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences using Frog Street or another approved curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards.
Prepare classroom materials, learning centers, and daily activities.
Reinforce learning through small-group instruction, one-on-one interactions, and guided play.
Encourage children's social-emotional development, language and literacy, mathematics, science and STEM, creative arts, gross and fine motor development, and social studies.
Foster a classroom environment that encourages creativity, exploration, curiosity, and independence.
Support classroom routines, transitions, meals, rest time, outdoor play, and daily schedules.
Use positive behavior guidance techniques that promote self-regulation and healthy social interactions.
Assist with observing and documenting children's developmental progress, screenings, and classroom assessments as directed by the Lead Teacher.
Maintain child portfolios and classroom documentation.
Build positive relationships with families through daily communication, professional interactions, family engagement events, and conferences as requested.
Actively supervise children using BGCA's “See, Hear, Direct, and Assess” supervision model and help maintain required staff-to-child ratios.
Ensure children's safety during classroom activities, playground time, field trips, meals, and transitions, following BGCA Youth Protection Policies and organizational safety procedures.
Conduct routine classroom health and safety checks and maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary classroom.
Report accidents, injuries, illnesses, maintenance concerns, and suspected child abuse according to organizational policies and mandated reporting laws.
Support compliance with Pennsylvania DHS Chapter 3270 regulations, Keystone STARS standards, licensing requirements, CACFP requirements when applicable, and BGCA Youth Development Practices.
Assist with attendance, health, incident, medication, and classroom documentation and help prepare for licensing visits, monitoring, and quality assessments.
Participate in classroom observations, coaching, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Build caring, respectful relationships with children and encourage confidence, independence, cooperation, and problem-solving.
Engage children through meaningful conversations, guided play, and intentional interactions; reinforce literacy, STEM, arts, outdoor learning, movement, and social-emotional learning throughout the day.
Celebrate children's accomplishments and developmental milestones and serve as a professional, kind, and respectful role model.
Participate in family engagement events, professional development, and organizational activities as needed.