Assistant Toddler Teacher

The Gardner School•Dedham, MA

16d

About The Position

The Assistant Toddler Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in delivering age-appropriate curriculum and activities that respond to children’s developmental needs. The role involves engaging children in play and learning, guiding their emotional and behavioral development, and adapting activities based on observations of individual interests and needs. The Assistant Teacher helps maintain a clean, organized, safe, and positive classroom; supports daily routines, hygiene, sanitation, diapering, and feeding; and supervises children at all times. The position also includes building respectful relationships with families, assisting with communication and classroom updates as directed by the Lead Teacher, and collaborating with colleagues and school leaders. The Assistant Teacher must follow state licensing regulations and school policies, maintain confidentiality, attend reliably, and participate in ongoing training and development. The Gardner School describes itself as an academically focused preschool serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with training, orientation, continuing education, and opportunities for internal advancement.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Ability to reliably commute to the school’s location.
Fluent English reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension sufficient to communicate with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.
Meet all applicable state licensing requirements for education and experience.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with children, peers, and families.
Basic understanding of early childhood development principles.
Strong time management and multitasking abilities.
Positive attitude and problem-solving mindset.
Intermediate PC or administrative skills.
Ability to frequently lift, carry, or hold children and infants weighing 10 to 60 pounds.
Ability to bend, reach, and move freely throughout the classroom.
Ability to operate a computer, phone, and classroom or office equipment.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Passion for early childhood education and a nurturing, joyful approach to care.
Interest in growing within a supportive, mission-driven preschool environment.

Responsibilities

Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing age-appropriate curriculum and activities aligned with each child’s developmental needs.
Engage with children during play, learning activities, and transitions.
Provide nurturing guidance that supports children’s emotional and behavioral development.
Adapt activities based on observations of children’s interests and needs.
Help keep the classroom clean, organized, and safe by supporting routines, hygiene, and sanitation.
Follow health and safety guidelines for diapering, feeding, and continuous supervision of children.
Help manage classroom materials and contribute to a calm, positive environment.
Maintain respectful, supportive relationships with parents and families.
Participate in ongoing communication and classroom updates as directed by the Lead Teacher.
Collaborate with teaching team members and school leaders to support consistency across classrooms.
Follow state licensing regulations and The Gardner School’s policies and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality regarding child and school information.
Demonstrate reliable attendance and participate in ongoing training and development.