Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Position Title: Early Learning Center Educators

Reports To: Center Director

Employment Type: Full-Time ONLY

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM (shifts available based on classroom needs)

Designation: Hourly/Salary

Position Overview

The Pathways Early Learning Center is a tuition-free, trauma-informed, Montessori-inspired early childhood program serving children ages 8 weeks up to 6 years experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. We are housed inside Pathways Women's Shelter in Birmingham, Alabama.

Our classrooms are calm, prepared, and intentional — grounded in Montessori-inspired practices, trauma-informed care, and Conscious Discipline. We believe regulation comes before learning, and that every child who walks through our doors deserves a space that was made for them.

We are seeking two full-time Early Learning Center Assistant Teachers across our Willow Room (infant) and Oak Room (preschool) classrooms.

If you believe children are naturally capable and curious — and you are ready to do work that actually changes lives — we want to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a loving, secure, and predictable classroom environment rooted in child-centered, self-directed learning and trauma-informed caregiving.
• Provide responsive care routines (feeding, diapering, toileting, comforting) for infants and toddlers; support self-help skills, emotional regulation, and school readiness for older children.
• Design and implement developmentally appropriate monthly lesson plans using hands-on materials and open-ended exploration adapted for children who may have experienced adversity.
• Conduct and document ongoing developmental screenings, observations, and assessments (weekly and monthly) to track progress and inform instruction.
• Maintain all required paperwork, attendance, health and safety records, and family communications accurately and on time.
• Observe, document, and communicate each child’s growth and milestones with families using a strengths-based, culturally sensitive approach.
• Collaborate with social workers, family advocates, and mental health professionals to ensure wrap-around support for children and families.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom that complies with licensing, health regulations, and Quality STARS criteria.
• Model patience, empathy, and respect in every interaction; build a consistent, positive classroom community.
• Engage in ongoing professional development in child-centered, trauma-sensitive education, assessment practices, and reflective caregiving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Montessori credential, or related field strongly preferred.
• CDA in Infant/Toddler or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (minimum requirement).
• Previous experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschoolers in a licensed childcare setting.
• Knowledge of Montessori, child development, child-centered learning environments, responsive caregiving practices, and trauma-informed strategies or willing to learn!
• Demonstrated ability to complete required paperwork, assessments, and lesson planning accurately and on schedule.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and engage in floor-level play.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $15–$17/hour (final rate commensurate with education, experience, etc.)
• Health, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Professional development assistance (including training in child-centered and trauma-informed education)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Work Location: In person

Work Environment

• Classroom or early learning center setting; standard 40-hour workweek.
• Environment may be highly sensitive and stressful; reflective supervision and self-care are encouraged.
• Daily physical activity such as walking, standing, bending, and lifting is required.

Equity & Inclusion

Pathways recruits, hires, compensates, and provides services without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, marital status, or disability status. Applicants who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, men, differently abled, and/or bilingual are highly encouraged to apply.

Summary Statement

Join our mission-driven, nonprofit, tuition-free preschool. We are hiring five dedicated Early Learning Center Educators to work across our infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms serving children ages 8 weeks–6 years, with a strong emphasis on accurate documentation, developmental screening, and lesson planning in a child-centered, trauma-informed learning environment.

Pay: $15.00 - $15.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person