Infant/Toddler Associate Teacher at CHS Hershey Center summary: The Infant/Toddler Associate Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in delivering early childhood education, focusing on the social, emotional, and cognitive development of infants and toddlers. Responsibilities include implementing lesson plans, maintaining a safe and nurturing classroom environment, engaging families, and complying with state licensing standards. This role requires collaboration, assessment of child development, and the ability to assume Lead Teacher duties when needed.

The Associate Teacher is an individual passionate about education, and excited about working with children to further their educational and emotional growth. In collaboration with the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Teacher, the Associate Teacher is responsible for supporting the implementation of the early childhood classroom curriculum and assessment process, involving families in classroom experiences, and cultivating a classroom environment that represents each child's family culture. This individual is responsible for supporting the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing the daily education program for children. The Associate Teacher reports to the Assistant Director to provide information should a risk of issue arise. Starting salary is in the range of $40,973 to $48,789 per year, based on experience. Responsibilities: Implementing classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines/schedules Participating in classroom coaching cycles Enhancing social, emotional, and cognitive development through age-specific manipulatives, activities, and language experiences for children Supervising and providing a safe and nurturing environment for children Observing, assessing, and documenting each assigned child's health, skills, behavior, growth, and development Assuming Lead Teacher's responsibilities in the Lead Teacher's temporary absence Ensuring general classroom management, organization, cleanliness, and maintenance Caring for safety and hygiene of children on a frequent basis Scheduling family/staff conferences and, in collaboration with the Lead Teacher, conducting meetings Maintaining daily communication with families using multiple channels of communication Completing all required program documentation and submitting it in a timely manner to the Lead Teacher Completing daily attendance and meal participation reports Remaining compliant with all state licensing requirements as they pertain to health, safety, and professional requirements Acting as a role model for child development Maintaining confidentiality as it pertains to program, staff, and families Qualifications: Current Child Development Associate credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition OR at least 12 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education; level A or B certification in the PA ECE Career Pathway preferred Experience and knowledge in Early Childhood Education program and teaching standards, including code of ethics - NAEYC standards preferred Familiar with inquiry-based and project approach learning, as well as PBIS strategies preferred Demonstrated understanding of and ability to effectively work with low-income families preferred Comfortability with technology including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and /or willingness to learn Excels at engaging with parents/caregivers, including initiating discussions when necessary Responsible, enthusiastic, and cares about working in a mission-focused organization Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, and educate teams Ability to physically interact with children (e.g., talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, etc.) and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities Ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutions Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are considered to be role models for students U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment background checks and clearances

Keywords: early childhood education, infant and toddler development, classroom management, lesson planning, child assessment, family engagement, child safety, curriculum implementation, social-emotional growth, educational support