What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Teacher position at Square One?
Location: Multiple Springfield Locations
Schedule: Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available
Age Groups: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and combined age-group classrooms
Join Our Team!
Square One is seeking passionate and dedicated Associate Teachers to join our early childhood education programs across multiple locations. Our centers offer unique learning environments inspired by evidence-based early childhood practices, including child-centered, relationship-based, inquiry-driven, and play-based approaches to learning.
Whether you have experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, we offer opportunities to grow your career while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
Position Summary
The Associate Teacher works closely with Lead Teachers and program leadership to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Associate Teachers help implement curriculum, observe and document children's learning, build positive relationships with families, and contribute to a collaborative teaching team. In the absence of the Lead Teacher, the Associate Teacher may assist with classroom leadership and daily operations.
Responsibilities
- Support the implementation of developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment.
- Observe, assess, and document children's growth and development.
- Build strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Maintain a safe, healthy, and engaging learning environment.
- Assist with lesson planning, classroom documentation, and required program records.
- Collaborate with teaching teams and support staff to meet the individual needs of children.
- Encourage family engagement and communicate professionally with families.
- Ensure compliance with licensing, safety, and program requirements.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
Qualifications
Required:
- Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field OR Bachelor's degree in a related field with applicable early childhood coursework.
- Minimum of one year of experience working in an early childhood education setting.
- Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Ability to work collaboratively with children, families, and colleagues.
- Ability to successfully complete all required background checks.
Preferred:
- Experience working with infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-aged children.
- Familiarity with Creative Curriculum, Reggio Emilia-inspired practices, inquiry-based learning, or other child-centered educational approaches.
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Skills & Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Observation and documentation skills
- Problem-solving and flexibility
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Professionalism and ethical practice
- Ability to support children with varying developmental needs
Physical Requirements
- Ability to actively engage with young children throughout the day.
- Ability to sit, kneel, bend, lift, and move about the classroom and playground environments.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.
Pay: $25.37 - $28.26 per hour
Expected hours: 25.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Please confirm that you understand that this role requires a Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Background Records Check (BRC), which includes EEC review of sealed records.
- Which age group are you most interested in working with? (Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Open to Any)
- Are you open to 25 hours per week, 40 hours per week, or both options?
Education:
- Associate (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25 - $28