Assistant Teacher- Young Toddlers

We're Growing... Come Grow With Us!

Young Toddler Assistant Teacher (13–24 Months)

Full-Time | Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Year-Round

Hilltop School | Bangor, Maine

Help Build Something Amazing From the Beginning!

Hilltop School is excited to be expanding our early childhood programs as we grow our infant and young toddler services! We're looking for an exceptional Young Toddler Assistant Teacher to become an important part of one of our newest classrooms and help create a warm, engaging environment where our youngest learners can thrive.

This isn't simply an assistant teaching position—it's an opportunity to become a valued member of a collaborative classroom team while helping children develop confidence, curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning during one of the most important stages of early childhood.

If you're passionate about working with toddlers, enjoy being part of a supportive team, and want to work for a program that truly values its educators, we'd love to meet you!

Job Summary

We are seeking a caring, dependable, energetic, and collaborative Young Toddler Assistant Teacher to support children ages 13–24 months during one of the most exciting periods of early childhood development.

Working closely with the Lead Teacher, you will help create a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom where children feel secure, loved, and excited to learn each day.

As the Assistant Teacher, you will support the Lead Teacher in all aspects of operating a high-quality classroom while serving as a dependable partner who helps ensure consistency for children. You should feel comfortable confidently assuming responsibility for the classroom whenever the Lead Teacher is absent while maintaining established routines, expectations, and classroom culture.

At Hilltop School, we believe learning happens through relationships, play, exploration, and responsive caregiving. Every diaper change, every story, every song, every encouraging word, and every interaction is an opportunity to build trust and foster lifelong learning.

Responsibilities

As the Young Toddler Assistant Teacher, you will:

Classroom Support

• Partner with the Lead Teacher in all aspects of operating a high-quality classroom.
• Support implementation of daily classroom routines and schedules.
• Assist with planning and preparing engaging learning activities.
• Help maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Maintain classroom materials and learning centers.
• Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to create a consistent, positive classroom culture.
• Respect and support the Lead Teacher's leadership while contributing ideas and working together as a team.
• Confidently assume responsibility for leading the classroom whenever the Lead Teacher is absent.

Child Development & Learning

• Support implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS).
• Engage children through play, music, movement, sensory exploration, art, literacy, STEM, outdoor play, and hands-on learning.
• Foster children's social-emotional development, communication skills, confidence, independence, and problem-solving abilities.
• Assist in observing children's developmental progress and sharing observations with the Lead Teacher.

Child Care & Health

• Provide attentive care during diapering, meals, handwashing, transitions, outdoor play, and rest time.
• Maintain a healthy and safe classroom by following all Hilltop School policies and Maine Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• Follow all health and safety procedures, including medication procedures, first aid, CPR, sanitation, and mandated reporting requirements.
• Use positive guidance techniques that promote emotional regulation, confidence, and healthy relationships.

Family Partnerships

• Build respectful, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Communicate professionally and positively with families while supporting the Lead Teacher in maintaining strong family partnerships.

Professionalism

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Work collaboratively with administration and coworkers to continuously improve classroom quality.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to support the needs of the program when needed.

We're Looking For Someone Who...

Is dependable and reliable—our children thrive on consistency, and your presence truly matters.

Understands that the strongest classrooms are built on teamwork, mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to providing the highest quality care for children.

Enjoys working collaboratively with a Lead Teacher and values supporting one another to create a successful classroom.

Can confidently step into a leadership role and manage the classroom when the Lead Teacher is absent.

Is organized, proactive, and willing to take initiative while respecting established classroom routines and expectations.

Communicates professionally with children, families, coworkers, and administration.

Loves getting on the floor to play, read stories, sing songs, dance, explore outdoors, and celebrate everyday milestones.

Has a genuine passion for helping young children develop confidence, curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

QualificationsRequired

• Must be 18 years of age or older in accordance with Maine Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• Must successfully pass the Maine DHHS Child Care Background Check.
• Must possess strong communication, teamwork, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Strong understanding of child development and a commitment to using positive guidance practices.
• Ability to support the implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS).
• Must be dependable, reliable, and committed to working collaboratively as part of a classroom team.

Assistant Teacher Qualifications

Candidates must meet, or be eligible to meet, the qualifications for an Assistant Teacher under current Maine Child Care Licensing Regulations. This may include qualification through one of several Maine-approved pathways, including approved education, training, experience, or the Maine Roads to Quality Career Lattice.

Hilltop School strongly prefers candidates who have experience working with young children in some capacity for this position. Experience in licensed child care programs, preschools, public schools, nannying, camps, or other child-focused settings is highly valued.

We are looking for educators who understand that early childhood is a critical period of development and who are passionate about providing nurturing, responsive, and developmentally appropriate care. We value team members who are eager to learn, willing to grow professionally, and committed to creating a positive, supportive classroom environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children ages 13–24 months strongly preferred.
• Understanding of developmental stages in early childhood.
• Ability to confidently assume responsibility for the classroom in the Lead Teacher's absence while maintaining established routines and expectations.
• Ability to work collaboratively, respectfully, and professionally as part of a classroom team.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain—we provide paid certification).

Why You'll Love Working at Hilltop School

At Hilltop School, we believe that when teachers feel supported, children thrive. Our leadership team is committed to creating a workplace where educators feel respected, appreciated, and empowered to grow.

Benefits Include

✅ Competitive Pay

✅ Health Insurance

✅ Dental Insurance

✅ Vision Insurance

✅ Life Insurance

✅ 401(k) Retirement Plan

✅ Employer 401(k) Match

✅ Paid Time Off (PTO)

✅ Paid Holidays

✅ Childcare Tuition Discount

✅ Paid Professional Development (up to the annual hours required for licensing)

✅ Paid CPR & First Aid Certification

✅ FlexPerks Employee Discount Program

✅ Employee Appreciation Events

✅ Predictable Monday–Friday Schedule

✅ Supportive Leadership Team

✅ Opportunities for Professional Growth and Advancement

✅ Eligibility for Maine's Early Childhood Educator Workforce Salary Supplement Program (based on education, credentials, and program eligibility) This is a monthly bonus of $240 or higher, depending on a candiates level on the MRTQ Career Lattice. This program is administered by the State of Maine's Office of Child and Family Services and all rules and amounts are set by their organization.

Why Hilltop is Different

We have been supporting young children in our area since 1869. Since 1970 Hilltop School has been committed to providing high-quality early childhood education to children and families in the Bangor community. We believe children deserve caring relationships, meaningful learning experiences, and educators who are supported every step of the way.

We aren't simply hiring employees—we're building a team of professionals who are passionate about making a difference. At Hilltop, collaboration, respect, continuous learning, and genuine care for one another are at the heart of everything we do.

Our leadership team believes in coaching, mentoring, and supporting educators—not simply supervising them. We celebrate successes, encourage professional growth, and believe that when teachers feel valued, children benefit.

When you join Hilltop School, you're joining a community that believes investing in educators is one of the best investments we can make in children.

The Best Part?

No evenings (other than periodic staff meetings that are required)

No weekends.

Consistent Monday–Friday schedule (7:30 AM – 4:00 PM).

Work where your contributions are appreciated, your ideas are valued, and your work truly makes a difference.

More Than a Job... A Career That Matters

Every day you'll celebrate first words, first friendships, growing independence, and countless "I did it!" moments. You'll play an important role in helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning while working alongside a team that is passionate about providing exceptional early childhood education.

If you're looking for a workplace where teamwork is valued, your growth is encouraged, your contributions matter, and every day has purpose, we'd love to welcome you to the Hilltop School family.

Apply today and help us build something incredible for our youngest learners!

Pay: $17.95 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• The shift required for this position is 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Is this a shift that you can work consistently? Dependability and reliability is a huge part of this position because consistency is important when working with young children.
• What interests you the most about this particular position?
• Please describe any relevant experience you have had that relates to this position.
• Please list at least 3-4 days/times that you'd be available for an in person interview. When we get ready to schedule interviews, we will do our best to work with candidates' availability.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• early education/teaching: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18