Assistant Infant Teacher

About Us: Eastminster Child Care Center is a 4 Keystone Stars, NAEYC- Accredited Christian Child Care Program serving Infants through Preschoolers. The center emphasizes a nurturing, cross- cultural environment aligned with the mission of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. The center is dedicated to providing high- quality care and education. Our program meets rigorous standards in staff qualifications, learning environments, leadership, and family-community partnerships, reflecting our commitment to excellence in early childhood education.

Position Summary: The Assistant Infant Teacher works closely with the Lead Infant Teacher to create a nurturing, predictable, and developmentally appropriate environment for infants. This position requires patience, attentiveness, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of infant needs, cues, and routines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support daily caregiving routines including feeding, diapering, bottle preparation, naps, and transitions.
• Respond promptly and sensitively to infants’ cues, offering comfort, soothing, and secure attachment-building interactions.
• Engage infants in developmentally appropriate activities such as tummy time, sensory play, early language experiences, music, and gentle movement.
• Ensure constant supervision and maintain safe sleep and safe-environment practices at all times.
• Promote early developmental milestones by supporting motor skills, early communication, and social-emotional bonding.
• Assist with classroom organization by preparing materials, rotating toys, and maintaining a calm, predictable environment.
• Observe and document developmental progress including emerging skills, feeding patterns, and temperament, and share insights with the Lead Teacher.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene including sanitizing toys, cleaning surfaces, and following health and safety protocols.
• Communicate professionally with families and staff while maintaining confidentiality.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development.

Health & Safety:

• Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging classroom environment that meets Head Start health and safety standards, NAEYC criteria, and Keystone STARS 4 environmental guidelines.
• Ensure constant supervision and compliance with all DHS licensing regulations.
• Implement positive guidance strategies that support emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and prosocial behavior.
• Set up and rotate learning centers to encourage exploration, creativity, and hands‑on learning.

Documentation:

• Create weekly lesson plans that support exploration, independence, and emerging skills.

Family Engagement:

• Greet families warmly during drop-off and pick-up times, providing updates on their child's day.

Professional Development:

• Participate in ongoing training, completing a minimum of 24 hours annually as required by Keystone STARS.
• Implement developmentally appropriate practices consistent with NAEYC standards.
• Adapt teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs, cultural backgrounds, and developmental levels.
• Encourage language development, self‑help skills, and positive social interactions.
• Ensure constant supervision and adherence to all DHS, NAEYC, and STARS safety and health regulations.
• Support implementation of positive guidance strategies that promote self‑regulation and problem‑solving.
• Prepare materials, set up learning centers, and rotate activities to support ongoing engagement.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and Keystone STARS continuous quality improvement activities.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a positive attitude in a fast‑paced early childhood environment.
• Uphold program policies, licensing regulations, and accreditation standards at all times.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required
• CDA or progress toward CDA strongly preferred.
• Experience working with infants in a childcare or early learning setting.
• Knowledge of infant development, responsive caregiving, and safe sleep practices
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC standards, and Keystone STARS quality indicators.
• Knowledge of child development principles and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Ability to meet all state background checks, health assessments, and training requirements (including Mandated Reporter, Pediatric First Aid/CPR, and annual professional development hours).
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Certifications: Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Skills: Flexibility, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work collaboratively.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and engage in floor play, carrying, and physical caregiving tasks
• Frequent bending, sitting on the floor, and active engagement with children.
• Ability to respond quickly and safely to children’s needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a Keystone STARS 3 or 4 center.
• Familiarity with Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards and Keystone STARS Performance Standards.

Compensation:

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience and education.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to LaShanna Snoe- Director at ECCC@eastminsterchurch.net. Please include Assistant Preschool Teacher Application in the subject line.