Preschool Associate Teacher

Preschool Associate Teacher CHS Elizabethtown - Elizabethtown, PA Full-Time The Associate Teacher is an individual passionate about education, and excited about working with children to further their educational and emotional growth. In collaboration with the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Teacher, the Associate Teacher is responsible for supporting the implementation of the early childhood classroom curriculum and assessment process, involving families in classroom experiences, and cultivating a classroom environment that represents each child's family culture. This individual is responsible for supporting the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing the daily education program for children. The Associate Teacher reports to the Assistant Director to provide information should a risk of issue arise. The salary range for this position is $42,625 to $49,760 based on experience. Candidate review and selection is currently underway for this position. The anticipated start date for the position is 01/05/2027. As part of their employment, successful candidates will participate in Seeds to Lead, CHS's six-month pre-opening professional learning program. This structured onboarding and paid professional experience equips educators with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on practice needed to confidently implement the CHS model to fidelity from day one when the center opens. The center is expected to begin operations in the Summer of 2027. Responsibilities: 1. Implementing classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines/schedules 2. Participating in classroom coaching cycles 3. Enhancing social, emotional, and cognitive development through age-specific manipulatives, activities, and language experiences for children 4. Supervising and providing a safe and nurturing environment for children 5. Observing, assessing, and documenting each assigned child's health, skills, behavior, growth, and development 6. Assuming Lead Teacher's responsibilities in the Lead Teacher's temporary absence 7. Ensuring general classroom management, organization, cleanliness, and maintenance 8. Caring for safety and hygiene of children on a frequent basis 9. Scheduling family/staff conferences and, in collaboration with the Lead Teacher, conducting meetings 10. Maintaining daily communication with families using multiple channels of communication 11. Completing all required program documentation and submitting it in a timely manner to the Lead Teacher 12. Completing daily attendance and meal participation reports 13. Remaining compliant with all state licensing requirements as they pertain to health, safety, and professional requirements 14. Acting as a role model for child development 15. Maintaining confidentiality as it pertains to program, staff, and families Qualifications: 1. Current Child Development Associate credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition OR at least 12 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education; level A or B certification in the PA ECE Career Pathway preferred 2. 1-3 years experience working with children from birth - 5 years/Early Childhood Education 3. Experience and knowledge in Early Childhood Education program and teaching standards, including code of ethics - NAEYC standards preferred 4. Familiar with inquiry-based and project approach learning, as well as PBIS strategies preferred 5. Demonstrated understanding of and ability to effectively work with low-income families preferred 6. Comfortability with technology including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and /or willingness to learn 7. Excels at engaging with parents/caregivers, including initiating discussions when necessary 8. Responsible, enthusiastic, and cares about working in a mission-focused organization 9. Willingness to be held acc untable and receive feedback 10. Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, and educate teams 11. Ability to physically interact with children (e.g., talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, etc.) and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds 12. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities 13. Ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutions 14. Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are considered to be role models for students 15. U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment background checks and clearances 16.