Preschool Assistant Teacher/Floater

Start Date: October 13, 2026 - Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am to 5:30 p.m.

Total Hours: 35 (1/2 hr. non-paid break each day)

1st Church Preschool is an NAEYC accredited morning and full day preschool program located in Cheshire. Our program is not religiously affiliated, and our play-based philosophy promotes learning through hands-on experiences. We provide education and childcare for children aged 2.9 months through 6 years old. Our preschool is a school-year program with a 9-week summer program. The program closes for December Break and 9 days in August.

Description:

1st Church Preschool is hiring a full-time Assistant Teacher (Floater) to help throughout the school in a variety of capacities. The Assistant will provide support in classrooms during times of transitions and outdoor play; provide coverage in classrooms during teachers breaks; maintain kitchen area including morning and afternoon snack set-up, loading/unloading dishwasher and other housekeeping tasks as needed; and assist with our extended day program. The Assistant/Floater will have the opportunity for additional hours and to gain experience working in the classroom with children by providing coverage in the absence of regularly scheduled teaching staff. Summer hours are also required.

• Assuming responsibility for maintaining kitchen area, set-up of morning and afternoon snack, loading/unloading dishwasher, washing art materials and other daily housekeeping tasks.
• Providing back-up support for teachers in transitions of the day, including bathroom time, indoor/outdoor transitions, get children on/off bus, helping children change clothes, etc.
• Providing coverage in classroom when short staffed and assisting children as directed by the Head Teacher.
• Under the direction of the Director/Head Teacher, assisting in carrying out the overall program activities.
• Clean and organize classroom areas, including tables and snack dishes, so the Head Teacher can focus on children’s and families’ needs.
• Being aware of overall safety issues outside on the playground and helping children to play safely and within established boundaries.
• Reporting all difficult and /or discipline issues to the teacher in charge.
• Becoming familiar with and learning to manage children’s discipline according to the program’s policies.
• Awareness and acceptance of the intellectual, physical, emotional, and social needs of each child as an individual.
• Supporting each child’s health and safety at all times during school.
• Reporting all accidents and emergencies to the Head Teacher.
• Attendance at workshops and training sessions as required to maintain professional status.
• Reliable and consistent attendance includes arriving on time, not leaving early, and utilizing personal and sick time effectively.
• Staffing the program’s 9-week summer program and April school vacation week as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• ECE Credits
• Experience working with young children

Skills:

• Effective communications skills
• Strong time management skills
• Decision making skills

Abilities:

• Contribute to an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of preschool children
• Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand
• Communicate and maintain positive relationship with staff and families
• Work closely and effectively in a team setting
• Lift up to 50 lbs. and perform other physical tasks related to the preschool environment

A willingness to gain knowledge/training in:

• Child development and early education theories and practices
• Safe and appropriate activities for children
• NAEYC Standards and Accreditation
• The Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards
• The Connecticut Documentation and Observation for Teaching System
• Office of Early Childhood approved Pediatric 1st Aid and CPR Certification
• Office of Early Childhood approved Medication Administration (oral, topical and inhalant) and Administration of Anaphylaxis/Emergency Medication

• Enjoys being outdoors in all kinds of weather
• Able to sit and play with children to scaffold their learning
• Enjoy talking with and engaging children
• Able to work as a team member
• Able to "read the room" and anticipate the needs of the children and the group

• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• AFLAC,
• Paid-Time Off (Sick & Personal)
• Paid Holidays
• 1 Week Paid Vacation in December
Retirement Benefit
• -Simple IRA with 3% match
• Cost of Living Increase and End-of-Year Bonus as supported by Annual Budget
• Longevity Bonuses