Daycare Teacher

Benefits:

Company parties

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

ob Summary The Infant & Toddler Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered classroom for children ages 6 weeks through 24 months. This position helps provide individualized care, encourages developmental growth through play and exploration, maintains a clean and organized environment, and builds positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.

The Assistant Teacher plays an essential role in ensuring every child feels loved, secure, and cared for while supporting the Lead Teacher in maintaining a high-quality learning environment.

Responsibilities

Child Care & Supervision

Provide loving, attentive care for infants and toddlers.

Maintain active supervision at all times.

Assist children with feeding, diapering, toileting, dressing, and hygiene.

Comfort children and respond promptly to their individual needs.

Engage children through play, conversation, music, and sensory experiences.

Support positive social and emotional development.

Follow classroom routines and daily schedules established by the Lead Teacher.

Classroom Support

Assist the Lead Teacher with:

Preparing classroom activities

Setting up learning centers

Reading stories

Singing songs and leading movement activities

Art and sensory experiences

Outdoor play

Cleaning and organizing the classroom

Preparing materials for upcoming lessons

Individualized Infant & Toddler Care

Provide consistent care by assisting with:

Bottle preparation and feedings

Meal and snack assistance

Diaper changes

Potty learning support

Nap routines

Safe sleep practices

Comforting children during transitions

Encouraging self-help skills as children grow

Playground App Responsibilities

Accurately document assigned daily activities, including:

Photos and videos as directed by the Lead Teacher

Bottles, meals, and snacks

Diaper changes and potty records

Nap documentation

Daily observations

Incident reports when needed

Assist the Lead Teacher in ensuring each child receives:

6–8 quality photos daily

1 video whenever possible

Complete daily documentation before dismissal

Health & Safety

Follow all Missouri childcare licensing regulations.

Maintain required classroom ratios.

Practice proper handwashing and sanitation procedures.

Follow safe sleep guidelines at all times.

Sanitize toys, equipment, and classroom materials throughout the day.

Report injuries, illnesses, or concerns immediately.

Help maintain a clean, organized, and licensing-ready classroom.

Parent Communication

Greet families warmly during drop-off and pick-up.

Share positive moments from each child's day.

Direct concerns or sensitive conversations to the Lead Teacher or Director.

Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.

Represent The Midwest Playhouse with kindness and professionalism.

Team Responsibilities

Support the Lead Teacher throughout the day.

Assist other classrooms when needed to maintain ratios.

Participate in staff meetings and training.

Help complete classroom opening and closing responsibilities.

Work collaboratively with coworkers and maintain a positive attitude.

Be flexible as classroom needs change throughout the day.

Daily Classroom Expectations

The Assistant Teacher is expected to:

Actively engage with children rather than supervise from a distance.

Sit on the floor, read books, sing songs, and play alongside children.

Encourage language development through frequent conversation.

Keep children safe while promoting curiosity and independence.

Help maintain a calm, clean, and organized classroom.

Support transitions smoothly throughout the day.

Licensing & Professional Development

Must maintain:

Current CPR & First Aid Certification (or obtain within required timeframe)

Safe Sleep Certification

Missouri-required annual training hours

Current background screenings

Knowledge of Missouri licensing regulations and center policies

Performance Expectations

A successful Infant & Toddler Assistant Teacher will:

Demonstrate patience, warmth, and compassion with every child.

Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and fellow staff.

Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality.

Follow classroom routines and directions consistently.

Assist in keeping the classroom clean, organized, and licensing-ready.

Complete assigned Playground documentation accurately.

Build trusting relationships with children and families.

Show initiative by anticipating classroom needs and offering help without being asked.

Qualifications

Preferred:

High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Experience working with infants or toddlers preferred

CDA or Early Childhood coursework is a plus

Passion for working with young children

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively participate in classroom activities throughout the day

Core Values

Every Infant & Toddler Assistant Teacher at The Midwest Playhouse is expected to:

Love and care for every child with patience and compassion.

Support the Lead Teacher with a positive, team-first attitude.

Create a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment.

Treat every family with kindness, professionalism, and respect.

Take pride in maintaining a clean, organized classroom.

Help lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning by making every interaction meaningful, encouraging, and full of God's love.