Assistant Teacher, Penn Children's Center

University of Pennsylvania

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher is a key member of the Penn Children’s Center teaching team and is responsible for supporting the Center’s core philosophy of “Learning through Play.” This role works collaboratively with Lead Teachers and colleagues to foster the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children ages 12 weeks to five years. The Assistant Teacher supports daily classroom operations, curriculum implementation, family communication, and compliance with all applicable early childhood education standards.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or two-year college equivalent and 3–5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field highly preferred.
• Solid understanding of early childhood development and working knowledge of early childhood education standards.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and nurturing skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and commitment to continuous professional development.
• Flexibility to work during Center operating hours (typically 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) to meet licensing ratios and operational needs.
• Ability to work across multiple age groups, including infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms.

Nice To Haves

• Skills or experience in language, art, music, or drama highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Teach, guide, and supervise children ages 12 weeks to five years in accordance with NAEYC, Keystone STARS, and DHS regulations and guidelines.
• Assist Lead Teachers in developing, planning, and implementing daily activities and lesson plans.
• Arrange, organize, and maintain educational materials, classroom environments, and equipment.
• Document daily activities, maintain accurate classroom records, and prepare required reports.
• Communicate regularly with parents through daily updates, monthly newsletters, timely emails, and meetings as needed.
• Maintain a Professional Development Record and complete all required training and credentialing mandates.
• Assume full classroom responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support classroom and Center operations.

Benefits

• Excellent healthcare
• Tuition benefits for employees and their families
• Generous retirement benefits
• Wide variety of professional development opportunities
• Supportive work and family benefits
• Wealth of health and wellness programs and resources
• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
• Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
• Generous retirement plans
• Substantial amount of time away from work
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Wellness and Work-life Resources
• Professional and Personal Development resources
• Access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities
• Discounts and Special Services
• Flexible Work Hours
• Penn Home Ownership Services
• Adoption Assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree