Preschool Assistant Teacher
About This Role
Leila Day Nurseries is hiring for a support staff member role in New Haven. Compensation is $19 – $23/Hr. Candidates need no formal early childhood credentials to start.
Leila Day is eager to hire a full time Assistant Teacher for our exceptional play-based, outdoors/nature-focused early childhood program working with our 3-4 year old children for the 2026-27 school year, beginning at the end of August and continuing through June
We are looking for curious and nurturing adults who enjoy spending time supporting children's growth and development through play-nature-art-literacy and multi-cultural based explorations projects. If you desire to work in a high-quality, progressive early childhood program making a difference in children's lives, we invite you to apply to become part of our special community.
Leila Day is an accredited, nonprofit child care center serving children of working families from diverse economic, racial and cultural backgrounds from New Haven and surrounding towns. In operation since 1878, this celebrated program's mission is to foster children's social, emotional, intellectual and physical development within a warm and nurturing environment built on sound principles of child development. Children and teachers spend time learning outside every day, so interested candidates should be prepared to support children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Ultimately we want each child to develop self and social awareness so as to be able to participate fully in a multicultural world. We honor children as meaning makers and problem solvers by helping them explore, wonder, learn and grow.
We are always accepting applications for this role.
What You'll Do
- Contribute to an environment that is welcoming, child-centered and developmentally appropriate by engaging with children during play, preparing materials for teacher-led activities, organizing, setting and cleaning up and maintaining the learning environment.
- Assist Co/Lead Teachers with planning, implementing, and documenting an emergent child-centered curriculum with activities in all developmental areas: cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language; spend a large portion of the day directly involved in facilitating children's play and demonstrating patience, respect and nurturance of children.
- Encourage children's positive self-concept while supporting and respecting the cultural backgrounds, languages, individual interests and learning style of each child and being aware of and sensitive to issues of equity and implicit bias.
- Carry out daily routines and procedures under the direction of Co/Lead Teachers (e.g. behavioral expectations, group management, limit setting and transitions) reflective of children's different needs and that also ensure the safety and well-being of the group.
Requirements
Physical, Health & Safety Requirements
- Must adhere to all CT State guidelines and Leila Day policies regarding immunizations, physical exam, and required health and safety training such as CPR, First Aid, and Administration of Medications
- Must have the physical ability to participate in activities that may include lifting, moving or holding children from 20-60 pounds as well as walking, squatting, climbing and sitting on the floor.
- Must have desire and ability to regularly spend as many as 3 hours per day outdoors.
- Must be able to maintain mental and physical alertness, appropriate level of energy and respond quickly to emergencies or unexpected situations.
Education & Experience
- At least 20 years of age
- Minimum 1 year experience working in child care or school setting
- An associates degree or its equivalent
Nice to Have
Experience in outdoor education
Experience in art education
Experience in literacy education
Experience in multicultural education
A Bachelors degree
ECE Credits
Benefits
About Leila Day Nurseries
Leila Day is an accredited, nonprofit child care center serving children of working families from diverse economic, racial and cultural backgrounds from New Haven and surrounding towns. In operation since 1878, this celebrated program's mission is to foster children's social, emotional, intellectual and physical development within a warm and nurturing environment built on sound
principles of child development. Leila Day emphasizes nature and outdoor education. The children and teachers spend time learning outside every day.
Common Questions
What ECE credentials are required for this position?
No credentials required for this role.
What does this position pay?
This Preschool Assistant Teacher role pays $19 to $23/Hr.
Is this full-time or part-time?
This job is Full Time.
Where is Leila Day Nurseries located?
Leila Day Nurseries is located at 100 Cold Spring Street, New Haven, CT