Milton, Massachusetts
Posted: 13-Mar-26
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Type: Part Time
Categories:
Required Education:
Additional Information:
Internal Number: 1928
Summary
The Early Learning Center Assistant Teacher supports a nurturing, inclusive environment for infants and young toddlers. This role works closely with the lead teacher to implement engaging, Reggio Emilia-inspired learning experiences that encourage curiosity, exploration, and early development. Warmth, teamwork, attentiveness, and understanding of early childhood development are key to success in this position. Reporting to the Principal - Early Childhood, the assistant teacher plays a critical role in supporting the daily rhythms of the classroom and fostering each child’s growth. Assistant teachers collaborate with the lead teacher and fellow Early Childhood educators to create a joyful and responsive learning space.
Who We Are
At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.?
At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child—intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life.?We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities.?Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.
Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a?collaborative and inclusive environment?where everyone feels they belong and are valued.?
Primary Responsibilities
- Displays a strong interest and love for working with infants and young toddlers and their parents
- Nurturing, intuitive, and responsive to the developmental needs of infants and toddlers
- Provides a welcoming, encouraging, and joyful atmosphere for children and families
- Expresses patience, creativity, joy, and a sense of humor
- Relates well with children and adults, gaining their confidence and respect
- Models the character values taught to children
- Responds to changing conditions and directions with spiritual light-heartedness and flexibility
- Supports a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to learning
- Works effectively and collaboratively with the lead teacher to address the needs of children
- Supports all aspects of program preparation, implementation, and completion
- Helps maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment
- Supports potty training and frequently changes diapers with attentiveness and care
- Handles discipline situations in a positive, constructive manner that supports character growth
- Able to meet the physical demands of the position, including lifting, bending, and floor play
- Collaborates effectively with colleagues and administrators
- Participates in committee meetings, faculty and parent meetings, and professional development opportunities when classroom coverage is available
- Pursues ongoing professional growth and applies best practices in early childhood education
- Uses technology comfortably to record daily routines and support classroom communication
- Understands and follows the general care and physical requirements as outlined by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Core Competencies
Principia?values?the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success?at Principia:?
- Continuous Learning &?Expertise:?Demonstrates?mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.?
- Accountability & Results Orientation:?Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.?
- Problem Solving & Judgment:?Approaches challenges thoughtfully,?considers?multiple perspectives, and?makes?sound,?timely?decisions that support institutional goals.?
- Proactivity & Ownership:?Takes initiative,?anticipates?needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.?
- Excellence & Attention to Detail:?Produces?accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously?looks?for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.?
- Service Orientation:?Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.?
- Collaboration & Collegiality:?Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.?
- Communication:?Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.?
- Inclusion & Belonging:?Demonstrates?respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.?
0 Minimum Qualifications
- Student of Christian Science preferred
- Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements
- Bachelor's degree in Education; a focus in Early Childhood Education is preferred.
- Experience working with children under the age of three in a professional, educational, or caregiving setting.
The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.