Half Day Early Childhood Assistant Educator (2026-27 school year)

Company Description

www.discoveryschoolpgh.com

The Discovery School is a Reggio Emilia inspired early childhood program that serves children ages 2 years, 7 months to 6 years old. We offer preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten classes. Our approach to learning values children's innate sense of wonder, and allows them to construct meaning of the world around them through play and exploration. Our unique nature campus provides the ideal setting for learning and discovery.

Job Description

Position: Early Childhood Assistant Educator

Work Schedule: M - F 8:30am - 12:30pm (half day); 9.5 months/year (Sept. - May)

Reports to: Director 

Compensation: competitive 

Benefits: 19 days PTO (holidays/school breaks) 5 days PTO, 401K, priority enrollment, 40% tuition discount 

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Responsible for assisting the Educator in maintaining safety, as well as implementing a Reggio Emilia inspired program that promotes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child enrolled. The duties and responsibilities will be carried out under the direction of the educator.   

​​​OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILIES: 

• Follow the positive Discipline Policy as outlined in the Parent Handbook.   
• Participate in staff meetings, school activities and special events, and staff development.  
• Maintain a well-organized, safe and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children.  
• Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline. 
• Observe children to detect signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorder, speech issue, or other special needs, and immediately report observations to the educator for follow up.  
• Assist Educator in implementing the daily program of activities and learning, including preparing materials and supplies in advance for activities.
• Assist Educator in observing each child daily to assess and document skills, interests, and needs.  
• Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information about the child’s day at school.  
• Assist Educator in the full implementation of IEP’s and inclusion of children with disabilities and special needs.  
• Be willing to facilitate activities both indoors and outdoors in a natural wooded environment (including in inclement weather - rain, snow, etc.).  
• Ensure children's safety while performing the following job functions: lift, move or hold children with a range of weight from 20 to 50 pounds (on occasion perform these tasks for a child weighing more than 50 pounds).  
• Demonstrates a full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit or otherwise fully participate in activities.  
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Must have a love and willingness to serve children and their families.  
• Believe in and be a dedicated student of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.
• Strongly support and execute the school’s mission.     
• Meet federal as well as individual state requirements (i.e., TB test, physical, criminal background checks).  
• Required education: high school diploma
• Preferred education: associate's or bachelor's degree, preferably in a child-related field (ie. Child Development, Early Childhood Education)   
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.  
• Demonstrate the social skills necessary to relate to a variety of people in a highly collaborative environment, remaining positive even under stressful situations.  

Additional Information

The Discovery School is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.