Assistant Teacher

Position Overview

Expanding Minds Early Learning Center is seeking a caring, dependable, and enthusiastic Assistant Teacher to support our classroom team. The Assistant Teacher helps create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where children can grow, explore, and develop new skills. This position works closely with the Lead Teacher to support daily classroom activities, encourage children's development, and provide quality care and education.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher with planning weekly themes, lesson plans, and daily learning activities.
• Help implement engaging, age-appropriate activities that support children's learning and development.
• Observe and document children's progress and individual needs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, healthy, and organized classroom environment.
• Actively engage with children during play, learning activities, meals, outdoor time, and daily routines.
• Support children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Encourage positive behavior, independence, and healthy relationships among children.
• Assist with classroom transitions, routines, and supervision to ensure children's safety at all times.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families and team members.
• Follow all Expanding Minds policies and applicable Vermont Child Development Division rules and regulations.Job Responsibilities
• Assist the Teacher or Teacher Associate with planning weekly themes, lesson plans, and daily activities.
• Support children's individual growth and development by observing, documenting, and assessing progress.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment.
• Actively participate in daily classroom activities, routines, and learning experiences.
• Support children's social, emotional, and educational development.
• Follow all applicable Vermont Child Development Division rules and regulations.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must meet at least ONE of the following five qualification pathways:
• Pathway 1: Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 1 or Level 2 Certificate.
• Pathway 2: Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, plus at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade 3 or younger.
• Pathway 3: State Board of Education-approved Human Services Program Certificate focused on child development or early childhood education, plus at least 12 months of relevant experience.
• Pathway 4: Completion of the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course or Vermont After school Essentials Certificate, plus at least 12 months of relevant experience.
• Pathway 5: Completion of a 3-credit college course in child or human development, or a 3-credit college course in school-age care and education, plus at least 12 months of relevant experience.

Relevant experience means working with groups of children in grade 3 or younger.