Assistant Teacher - Children's School (Youth & Family Programs)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua’s Children’s School is a developmental preschool for youth ages 3 to 5. The program includes a wide range of social, recreational, and educational activities that nurture the social, recreational, and educational development of children. Each week offers a different theme in the Children’s School curriculum. Guests or speakers often are included to share their special talents with the children. The program hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

About Your Compensation  

Compensation for this position starts at $16.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $18.00/Hour.  

About Your Work Day 

Assistant Teachers are assigned to a Level 1, 2, or 3 position depending on experience and certifications.  

• Create a safe, welcoming environment in which all program participants, staff members, and families can fully participate.
• Maintain constant supervision of classroom group. 
• Supervise classroom groups for activities outside the typical program spaces (Amphitheater, Bestor Plaza, Library, etc.). 
• Facilitate activities and support planning aligned with special events as directed.  
• Support facilitation of daily activities.  
• Manage transition times to and from Children’s School facilities, specifically for those participants arriving by bus. 
• Actively engage with children while attending special program area activities under the direction of Children’s School Specialty Teachers. 
• Assist with maintaining and organizing program facilities.  
• Manage group and individual behavior.  
• Respond quickly and effectively in cases of emergency. 

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

About Your Schedule 

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August.  Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability.  Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement. 

While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position:   

Will be primarily scheduled to work Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to Noon for an average of 25 hours/week.  Scheduled hours will include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

The week before the first day of operations a mandatory in-person three-day staff training session is scheduled.

There may be an opportunity to work additional hours in Youth & Family Programs outside of this position. This will be discussed during the interview.

About Living on the Grounds 

No employer-provided housing is available for this position. Applicants should plan to secure independent housing or reside within a commutable distance. 

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization.   

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.  

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward.  One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal-opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.  Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA. 

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.