Support Teacher

Description

Position Summary:

The Support Teacher provides essential classroom assistance across all age groups to ensure a high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning environment. Under the guidance of the Lead Teacher, this role supports instructional activities, routines, and care tasks—helping children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Support Teachers also assist in VPK classrooms as needed, including ALRI sessions, and help ensure licensing, curriculum, and safety standards are met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Lead Teacher with daily instruction aligned with Creative Curriculum, promoting child-led exploration and hands-on learning.
   
• Support observations and documentation in Teaching Strategies GOLD to track child development and progress.
   
• Participate in ALRI (Assessment-to-Learning and Responsive Instruction) activities in VPK classrooms when applicable, supporting child-specific learning goals.
   
• Help facilitate ASQ (Ages & Stages Questionnaires) screenings and ongoing child assessments.
   
• Assist with diapering, toilet training, and bathroom routines, following all DCF health and sanitation guidelines with sensitivity and respect for children’s privacy.
   
• Supervise children during mealtimes, ensuring all procedures follow the USDA Food Program guidelines.
   
• Provide active supervision and engagement on the playground, promoting safe play and age-appropriate motor skill development.
   
• Conduct daily health checks, identifying any concerns and reporting them appropriately.
   
• Assist with incident and accident reports, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
   
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety of the classroom environment throughout the day.
   
• Help with transitions between activities and maintain calm, consistent routines for children.
   
• Build supportive relationships with children while modeling positive behavior and communication.
   
• Maintain professionalism and positive collaboration with teaching teams and administrative staff.
   
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development to support growth and center goals.
   
• Perform other duties as assigned to support center operations and child care needs.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Completion of 45 hours of DCF-required training (or currently enrolled and working toward completion).
   
• CDA, FCCPC, or degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
   
• Experience working in early childhood or childcare settings preferred.
   
• Familiarity with Creative Curriculum, GOLD, USDA food program, and ASQ screenings is beneficial.
   
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively participate in classroom and playground activities.
   
• Strong communication, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.
   
• Must be dependable, nurturing, and a team player.
   

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in classroom and playground environments with young children.
   
• Physical activity includes standing, walking, bending, lifting, and working at child-height levels.
   
• Daily exposure to typical childhood illnesses, cleaning agents, and outdoor weather conditions.