Early Learning Center Assistant Teacher - Full-Time

W H Community House•West Haven, CT

2d•$18 - $19

About The Position

West Haven Community House is seeking a full-time Assistant Teacher for its Early Learning Center. The Assistant Teacher works as part of a team with the Head Teacher to implement Office of Early Childhood (OEC) standards and other applicable classroom standards, and follows program protocols to provide holistic services to children and families. The role supports developmentally appropriate classroom instruction, child safety and well-being, documentation, family engagement, and coordination of services. The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; this is a 35-hour-per-week position with hours scheduled within that span.

Requirements

At least two years of teaching or coaching experience in a social-service or school setting.
Current CPR/First Aid Certificate, Medication Administration Training, and Epi Pen Certification meeting Connecticut licensing requirements.
Approval through BCIS, including a background check and fingerprints through the Office of Early Childhood.
Health assessment at the time of employment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting unspecified weights; standing, bending, reaching, handling objects, transferring individuals, stretching, walking, pushing, and pulling; frequent walking; and occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, tasting, or smelling.
Ability to read and interpret documents and follow written instructions and procedures; write routine reports and correspondence; and solve practical problems using written, oral, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to use independent judgment, meet deadlines, and work flexible hours.
Clear verbal and written communication skills; organization, initiative, and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as a team member to build positive school-family partnerships.
Ability to use logical reasoning, learn and use computer software, and perform basic mathematical calculations.
Ability to work with and relate to preschoolers and their families.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support classroom leadership in the Head Teacher’s absence and help establish a professional, caring classroom tone.
Collaborate with co-teachers, aides, interns, parents, and volunteers, sharing early childhood principles and OEC standards.
Assist with curriculum planning and prepare daily activities that address children’s intellectual, physical, emotional, and social needs, including SEL, STEAM, multicultural, literacy, and Service-Learning activities.
Provide children with choices among activities and open centers, encourage participation, and help maintain developmentally appropriate classroom environments.
Model positive attitudes, behavior, and language; help children develop self-control, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills using consistent, positive discipline.
Observe and document significant individual or group behavior using Kindertales, and report unusual incidents or accidents to the Head Teacher.
Collaborate on child assessments and maintain accurate documentation, including lesson plans, individual goals, observations, evaluations, attendance, and program records.
Follow children’s special-needs, allergy, restriction, and care plans, and maintain responsibility for their health, safety, and visual supervision during program hours.
Maintain a classroom environment that meets licensing, health, and safety standards; enforce safety practices, use universal precautions, and report or remove hazards when possible.
Consult with the Head Teacher about scheduling changes and meetings with parents or school personnel.
Follow state and agency regulations, routines, policies, and procedures; assist with OEC and BCIS registry compliance and maintain confidentiality.
Coordinate with CYS Community Preschool staff to support comprehensive services and transitions for children entering, exiting, or moving within the program.
Attend and contribute to team meetings, including case-management meetings, and share relevant information with supervisors and team members to support service coordination and family engagement.
Maintain respectful and professional relationships with colleagues, families, and community partners, and uphold the Agency Code of Ethical Conduct and CYS Staff Handbook.
Immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect to the immediate supervisor and Director, and follow required DCF hotline reporting protocols.
Participate in staff development, workshops, planning and training meetings, and required agency meetings and consultations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.