Preschool Assistant Teacher

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus, OH 43209

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Assistant Teacher

Dept. No: 300

Department: Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)

DOL Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Supervisor: ECLC Director

Teach, Grow, and Belong to a Community

Full-Time | Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm | $16.50–$17.50 per hour

Agency Expectations:

• To ensure the highest quality of programs and services and possess a working knowledge of agency programs and services.
• To represent the agency and provide the highest quality of customer service to individuals and groups with whom you come into contact.
• To welcome, thank and engage JCC members and guests on a daily basis.
• To treat fellow staff with respect.
• To adhere to all policies and practices provided in the employee handbook.
• Wear a JCC Staff ID badge and attend appropriate staff meetings.

Position Summary:

Love little ones? Come be the heart of a classroom. At the JCC Early Childhood Learning Center, children explore, play, and grow in warm, joyful classrooms where Jewish values, holidays, and traditions come alive every day. As an Assistant Teacher, you will work side by side with a Lead Teacher to make every child’s day safe, fun, and full of discovery.

New to early childhood? We will train the right person. Experienced? We will invest in your growth. Either way, you will join a supportive team that feels like family.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Teaching and Curriculum Support

• Support the Lead Teacher in carrying out daily lessons using Creative Curriculum, Heggerty, and the JCC Judaic curriculum.
• Follow classroom lesson plans and routines so children’s days stay consistent and predictable.
• Help set up and maintain classroom learning centers that invite exploration and play.
• Share observations about children’s growth and development with the Lead Teacher.

Supervision and Safety

• Actively supervise children at all times, indoors and outdoors, in accordance with licensing ratios and JCC safety policies.
• Support children during play, meals, naps, diapering/toileting, transitions, and outdoor time.
• Help keep the classroom safe, clean, sanitized, and organized.
• Follow all ODJFS licensing rules, emergency procedures, and mandated reporter requirements, and report any concerns immediately to the Lead Teacher or Director.

Family Communication

• Greet children and families warmly each day and help share daily updates through Brightwheel.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with families, and refer questions or concerns to the Lead Teacher or Director as appropriate.

Professional Growth and Teamwork

• Complete required ODJFS pre-service and ongoing professional development, including Step Up to Quality and Ohio Approved trainings through OCCRRA.
• Work collaboratively with the classroom team and the ECLC Director, and cover for classroom teammates as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in a licensed early childhood classroom and outdoor play environment; the role requires being on your feet most of the day.
• Regularly sits on the floor, kneels, bends, and moves quickly outdoors to keep pace with active young children.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, including lifting and carrying young children and classroom materials.
• Exposure to the normal noise, activity, and illnesses of a childcare setting; follows health, sanitation, and safety procedures at all times.
• Regular schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Hours are recorded in Paycom.

What We Offer:

• Pay: $16.50 to $17.50 per hour, depending on education and experience
• Predictable schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm – no nights or weekends
• Paid holidays, including Jewish and secular holidays when the center is closed
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Childcare tuition discount
• Free or discounted JCC membership
• Paid professional development, including Step Up to Quality and Ohio Approved trainings through OCCRRA
• A clear path to grow into lead teaching roles
• A supportive director and a team that values collaboration

Ready to join us? Apply today and help shape the earliest years of learning in a community that feels like family.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge and Education – Minimum Required or Preferred: High school diploma or equivalent required. A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or coursework in early childhood education is a plus. Must meet ODJFS child care staff qualifications.
• Experience – Minimum Required or Preferred: Experience working with young children is preferred, but we will train the right person.
• Special Skills: Collaborative spirit and strong communication skills; positive, flexible attitude; knowledge of Jewish customs, culture, and holidays, or a genuine eagerness to learn; current (or ability to obtain prior to start) CPR and First Aid certification; ability to pass required background checks (BCI/FBI) and meet Ohio licensing requirements.