 Early Learning Center Part-Time Assistant Teacher Principia School

Title: Early Learning Center Part-Time Assistant Teacher

Department/Location: Early Childhood, St. Louis

Position Type: Part-Time, 12:30 – 5:30 p.m., 39-week (Non-benefits eligible)

Hourly Salary Range: $20 - $25 per hour

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: 

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 here https://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.

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.