Assistant Teacher

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating a cohesive teaching team, implementing the curriculum, and maintaining smooth day-to-day classroom operations. The Assistant Teacher should have an understanding of children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development to help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment. This role requires strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with the Lead Teacher, support staff, parents, and children in order to meet developmental needs and promote children’s success.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Support & Implementation

• Assist the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities to support children’s social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive growth.

• Help prepare lesson materials and set up the learning environment to promote independence and exploration.

• Support the intentional delivery of curriculum activities, reinforcing learning goals and classroom routines.

Child Development & Observation

• Observe and document children’s progress, behaviors, and developmental milestones under the guidance of the Lead Teacher.

• Assist with smooth daily transitions, including arrivals, departures, and transitions between activities.

• Provide appropriate supervision and positive guidance to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for every child.

Classroom Environment & Management

• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom that meets all health and safety standards.

• Follow all center policies, Nebraska childcare regulations, and DHHS licensing requirements.

• Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining daily attendance, CACFP food counts, and other classroom records.

Parent Communication & Support

• Support positive and professional relationships with families through daily interactions and classroom updates.

• Participate in parent-teacher conferences and family engagement activities as requested.

• Encourage and reinforce parental involvement in center-based and at-home learning experiences.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and other staff members to create a respectful, team-oriented environment.

• Accept direction and feedback from the Lead Teacher and contribute to a positive, professional classroom culture.

• Assist with supervising volunteers and ensuring classroom expectations are upheld.

Administrative Support

• Assist in completing classroom documentation, including lesson prep, assessments, and newsletters.

• Maintain confidentiality of children’s records and classroom information.

• Help ensure classroom compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements.

Professional Development

• Participate in professional development and training sessions as required by the center and licensing agencies.

• Develop and follow a personal plan for continued learning and growth in early childhood education.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Lead Teacher or Center Director.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.

• Alternative: Actively working toward a degree or credential in Early Childhood Education.

• Credential Requirement: Must be willing to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) within two years of hire, if not already held.

• Experience: At least one year of experience in an early childhood group setting preferred.

• Other Requirements: High School Diploma or GED required; must pass a comprehensive background check.

This position is ideal for a nurturing, dependable individual who enjoys working in a team setting to support the growth and development of young children, while adhering to state licensing and center policies.