Older Toddler Teacher Assistant

Classrooms: Older Toddler Classrooms, ages 18 months to 2.5 years and 2.5 to 3 years (assignment to one room based on program need)
Reports to: Older Toddler Classroom Teacher and Group Supervisor B
Job type: Full-time, in person, within program hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 1942 N. Front Street, Fishtown, Philadelphia, PA 19122

About this role

The Older Toddler Teacher Assistant partners with the Classroom Teacher in one of ENLA Learning's two Older Toddler classrooms. Between 18 months and 3 years, children move from parallel play into real conversation, from diapers into independence, and from "mine" into the first stirrings of sharing. The Teacher Assistant keeps the room orderly and the routines consistent so that those shifts have room to happen.

ENLA Learning runs the Older Toddler classrooms at a 1:5 Educator-to-child ratio, tighter than the state floor.

Responsibilities

• Support the Classroom Teacher in delivering Montessori-inspired practical life, language, and early math work planned for 18 month to 3 year olds
• Prepare and reset shelves, work rugs, and materials so every activity is complete and inviting
• Supervise children at all times, positioning yourself where the whole room is in view
• Lead toilet learning, hand-washing, and self-care routines with patience and consistency
• Assist with family-style meals, pouring, serving, and clean-up as independence work
• Settle children for rest and support the transition out of naps for children moving toward the preschool schedule
• Support outdoor play, gross-motor time, and safe transitions
• Model language for conflict resolution and emotional regulation, using the words children are just beginning to own
• Record observations, toileting logs, meal notes, and daily reports in Procare as directed
• Greet families at drop-off and pick-up with a factual, specific account of the child's day
• Help maintain PA DHS licensing compliance and ENLA Learning policy in the room

Qualifications

• Associate degree (A.A.) in Early Childhood Education, or equivalent college credits in ECE, required
• High school diploma or GED
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Prior experience with toddlers preferred, in any setting
• Comfortable with tablets and apps for documentation and family communication

State clearances, certifications, and required trainings

Must be current before the first day on the floor and renewed on schedule. ENLA Learning tracks expiration dates and gives advance notice. A lapsed credential removes a staff member from the floor until cleared.

• FBI fingerprint clearance (IdentoGO PA DHS enrollment, service code 1KG738)
• PA State Police criminal background clearance (PATCH)
• PA Child Abuse History clearance (PA Child Welfare Portal)
• National Sex Offender Registry check (NSOPW.gov)
• Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
• Mandated Reporter training certificate (University of Pittsburgh)
• Fire safety training (Pennsylvania Professional Development Registry)
• Health and Safety training, CCDBG-required topics (Pennsylvania Professional Development Registry)
• Minimum 15 clock hours of annual professional training, tracked via the Pennsylvania Professional Development Registry
• TB test within the last 2 years
• Physical examination within the last 2 years

Required personal qualities

Bright-line rule: reliability and on-time arrival. A late arrival or no-show puts an Older Toddler room out of ratio. Punctuality is a core job skill and is evaluated continuously.

• Patience with big feelings in small bodies, and the composure to stay neutral through them
• Calm is leadership. The room takes its temperature from the adults in it
• Willingness to take direction from the Classroom Teacher and grow professionally
• Clear, respectful communication with children, families, and team
• Team over ego. Follow-through on assigned tasks without being asked twice

What ENLA Learning provides

• Health and wellness coverage
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holiday benefits
• Professional development funding and support toward further ECE credentials
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discount on ENLA Learning tuition
• 24 paid professional development hours per year, double the state floor
• Clear advancement path to Classroom Teacher and beyond

About ENLA Learning

ENLA Learning (Education Nation Learning Academy) is a Montessori-inspired private academic school and licensed early education center in Fishtown, Philadelphia, serving children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. Five classrooms, small ratios, calm environments, consistent routines. We are educators, not babysitters.

ENLA Learning is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected under federal, Pennsylvania, or Philadelphia law.

Apply: apply.enlalearning.com