Assistant Preschool Teacher

Working at the School of Imagination and Happy Talkers is more than a job — it’s a mission with heart.

Join a nonprofit, mission-driven team committed to bringing out the extraordinary in every child. Our supportive, inclusive culture values every team member and puts children first.

The School of Imagination and Happy Talkers is the leading inclusive early childhood education and multidisciplinary intervention program for neurodiverse learners, bringing out the extraordinary in every child.
We offer groundbreaking early-childhood education programs, cutting-edge intervention services, and a full-inclusion preschool that empowers special-needs children to excel with their typical peers, giving all children the foundation for success in learning and life.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build a positive and nurturing relationship with every child in the classes they support to create a comfortable learning environment and encourage active participation.

• Assist and guide children throughout the school day to support their learning and development.

• Provide individualized attention and support to meet each child's unique learning needs.

• Be familiar with the individual strategies designed for specific children and implement these strategies effectively, helping children progress in their learning goals.

• Attend and actively participate in meetings and collaboration opportunities with other team members, share insights, and discuss each child's progress and needs.

• Assist the Classroom Team with needed prep work.

• Help the Classroom Team prepare the learning environment before each school day. This may involve organizing materials, setting up activities, and ensuring the classroom is conducive to a positive learning experience.

• Work flexible hours as needed for Early Birds and Late Birds programs, adapting to the varying needs of children and parents. The schedule includes two Early Days 8:00 am and two Late Days until 5:00 pm each week. Part-time positions available.

• Be flexible with the needs of the school and support wherever needed, even if it is not in the assigned classroom.

• Follow all SOI policies, procedures, and State Licensing requirements for Child Care.

• Complete the cleaning tasks and weekly duties that have been assigned.

Reporting Structure:
The Assistant Educator reports directly to the Lead Educator, receiving guidance and mentorship from the Associate Educator to ensure effective teamwork and high-quality childcare.

Offer:

• Competitive salary ($21-24.50 per hour) plus bonuses. Development opportunities to move to the next level on completion of training and certification, and the next band ($23-$26 per hour).

• Opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.

• Premium health, dental and vision plans with 100 percent employer-paid options available

• PTO accrual and paid holidays beginning your first day

• 401k, FSA, life insurance, and college savings plan, among other benefits

• Low classroom ratios, with multiple educators to each classroom

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 12 ECE (Early Childhood Education) and one year of experience is required.

• Experience working with children with special needs in a classroom setting

• Basic competence in duties and tasks of assigned position

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to manage competing priorities and workflow

• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees

• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions

• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize projects independently.

• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm

Work Requirements

• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously 

• Bend, reach, and lift up to or above the head 

• May be required to lift up to 40 pounds 

• Kneel or sit on the floor for up to thirty minutes at a time while working with children 

• Climb and descent stairways 

• Ability to work in a moderate to loud environment