Assistant Teacher (Toddler Classroom)

The Family Partnership•Minneapolis, MN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Partnership is looking to hire an Assistant Teacher in their toddler classroom to support Lead Teachers at Four Directions, which is a full-day therapeutic education and care program for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Four Directions is committed to the revitalization of the Dakota and Ojibwe languages. TFP is honored to partner with Wicoie Nandagikendan to provide language immersion and culturally responsive early childhood education.

Requirements

You are at least 18 years old.
You must be qualified under DHS licensing for Assistant Teachers under the Minnesota Rule 9503.
You demonstrate knowledge of child development (ages 6 weeks–5 years).
You can meet the physical requirements of the role, including lifting up to 50 pounds (to lift children and/or equipment as needed) and participating in active play with children.
You communicate effectively and have the ability to work collaboratively with parents, colleagues, and diverse communities.
You demonstrate a commitment to cultural humility, inclusivity, and trauma-informed practice.

Responsibilities

Assisting the Lead Teacher in coordinating daily routines, transitions, learning activities, and self-selected play.
Actively supervising children at all times to ensure safety and developmental support.
Providing developmentally appropriate guidance aligned with trauma-informed practices.
Supporting the center’s therapeutic approaches by following strategies recommended by therapists or specialists.
Supporting Dakota/Ojibwe language immersion classrooms when coverage is needed.
Reinforcing simple language activities (songs, greetings, routines) as provided by immersion teachers.
Modeling respect and enthusiasm for Indigenous language revitalization efforts.
Following DHS health and safety procedures, sanitation practices, emergency actions, and supervision ratios.
Maintaining safe, clean classroom spaces through daily cleaning and disinfecting routines.
Conducting safety checks for environments, equipment, and playground areas.
Supporting meal service in compliance with CACFP standards.
Assisting the Lead Teacher in observing and documenting children’s development.
Participating in preparation for parent–teacher conferences.
Maintaining accurate daily notes, attendance, and incident reports.
Assisting with field trips, special events, and family engagement activities.
Providing closing shift responsibilities as assigned, including resetting and sanitizing the classroom, securing materials and equipment, supporting final parent pick-ups, and communicating essential end-of-day details to the Lead Teacher or Director.

Benefits

Generous paid time off, plus 10 paid holidays
Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA) and options for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Long-term disability insurance – the employer pays the premiums
Employer-paid basic life insurance with the option for additional coverage paid by the employee
Voluntary benefits: Accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, short-term disability insurance
TFP sponsors a retirement plan with a tiered vesting schedule based on years of service, plus a 2% employer contribution after one year of service.
This position is eligible for grant-funded additional compensation (typically up to +$2 per hour)
Discounted tuition for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs
Professional development opportunities
Access to advancement (internships, job placement, field practice)