Position Overview:
The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher by providing high-quality care and education for children. This role helps implement daily lesson plans, maintain a safe and nurturing environment, and foster positive relationships with children, families, and staff. The Assistant Teacher ensures compliance with licensing regulations and center policies while promoting each child’s growth and development. The Assistant Teacher may also function as a lead teacher (see lead teacher job description).

Key Responsibilities:
• Assist and may serve as the classroom Lead Teacher regarding daily routines, lessons, and classroom management.

• Prepare and organize classroom materials, activities, and learning centers.

• Actively engage with children during play, meals, and structured learning activities.

• Support children’s social-emotional development by modeling kindness, forgiveness, compassion and joy.

• Maintain a clean classroom environment by executing a daily cleaning list.

• Supervise children and maintain required staff-to-child ratios.

• Ensure the classroom and play areas are safe, clean, and well organized.

• Follow Minnesota DCYF licensing requirements for childcare programs.

• Promote and model healthy hygiene practices such as handwashing and sanitizing.

• Respond appropriately to accidents, incidents, or behavioral challenges.

• Build positive relationships with parents and guardians by assisting in daily updates on

children’s activities.

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and Manager(s) to ensure consistent care and

communication.

• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information.

Professional Growth:
• Complete required annual training hours as mandated by state licensing.

• Attend staff meetings, in-service training, and professional development opportunities.

• Follow center policies, Conscious Discipline practices, and curriculum guidelines.

Qualifications:
• Must meet Minnesota DCYS staff requirements for Aides. See 9503.0033 – MN Rules Part.

• Previous experience working with children in a licensed childcare setting preferred.

• Regular attendance and punctuality are required to ensure smooth operations.

• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Skills & Attributes:
• Patient, caring, and nurturing personality.

• Ability to take direction and work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and staff.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Dependable, flexible, and able to adapt to changing classroom needs.

• Enthusiasm for supporting children’s learning and growth.

Work Environment:
• Classroom setting with children ranging from infants through – school-age (depending

on assignment).

• Requires physical activity including sitting on the floor, bending, lifting to 40 lbs, and

frequent movement.

• Schedule may include part-time or full-time (Monday -Friday) hours based on center

needs. Hours may change based on center needs.