What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infant Assistant Teacher position at Plateau Early Learning Center?
PELC is a learning center, not a babysitting center. We are looking for individuals with a strong passion for learning to join our team!
Responsibilities
The Infant Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for infants ages 0–12 months. This role includes assisting with daily routines, implementing curriculum activities, ensuring the well-being of each child, and maintaining compliance with state licensing regulations. The Assistant Teacher works collaboratively with the classroom team to provide high-quality care and learning experiences.
Duties
The core duties of the Infant Assistant Teacher follow, but these are not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties may change as needed to meet PELC’s needs.
- Assist the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities.
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
- Prepare and set up materials for daily activities.
- Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining proper teacher-to-child ratios.
- Provide nurturing care, including feeding, diapering, napping, and comforting.
- Follow safe sleep practices as required by licensing and health guidelines.
- Engage with infants through songs, stories, sensory activities, and interactive play.
- Observe and share information about each child’s development with the Lead Teacher.
- Greet families warmly at drop-off and pick-up times.
- Share brief, positive updates with parents while referring detailed questions to the Lead Teacher.
- Support the center’s goal of building strong, trusting relationships with families.
- Follow all health, safety, and sanitation procedures, including regular handwashing and toy cleaning.
- Assist in daily safety checks of toys, equipment, and classroom space.
- Report accidents, injuries, or concerns to the Lead Teacher or Director immediately.
- Work cooperatively with the Lead Teacher and other staff members to create a positive team environment.
- Attend staff meetings, training, and professional development as required.
- Be willing to take direction, adapt to changing needs, and help in other classrooms as needed.
Qualifications
- MERIT Profile Registered
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Experience: A minimum of six months in childcare.
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- ECE Initial Certificate (12 ECE credits)
- → Must be completed by August 1st 2026 or within 5 years of hire.
- Associate degree or higher in ECE or related field
- → PELC requires their Assistant teacher to take a minimum of one class per quarter to complete their Associate Degree in ECE.
- Approved alternative qualifications
- Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid, Food Handler’s Permit, 30 Hours STARS* ,and state-required training (Safe Sleep, Mandated Reporter).
- Warm, caring personality with a passion for working with children.
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and engage in floor-level activities.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
* Or education per DCYF that qualifies for 30-Hour STARS training exemption.
Work Schedule
- Full-time, Monday–Friday (hours to be determined).
- 8 hours shift
- Occasional evenings or weekends for events or training.
Benefits
- Professional development assistance
- Discount Childcare
- Retirement account
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off (1.5h per 40h worked)
- Paid holidays
- Paid lunch break
- Opportunity for financial education