Title: Early Childhood Assistant Teacher 

Department/Location: Early Childhood, St. Louis

Position Type: Full-Time, hours from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. (split shift) 39-week

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: 0 practical competencies required to for success in the role

• 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. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Student of Christian Science preferred 
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated herehttps://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.  

Compensation and Benefits 

We offer a competitive salary range for this position, starting at $25 hourly for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and no prior teaching experience. Salary is commensurate with degree and years of teaching experience.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes: 

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount:Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
• Relocation:Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
• Professional Development:Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefitshere, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a403(b) retirementplan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity  

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.