"Assistant Teacher, Penn Children's Center"

Assistant Teacher, Penn Children's Center

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Assistant Teacher, Penn Children's Center

Job Profile Title

Assistant Teacher

Job Description Summary

The Assistant Teacher is a key member of the Penn Children's Center teaching team and is responsible for supporting the Center's core philosophy of "Learning through Play." This role works collaboratively with Lead Teachers and colleagues to foster the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children ages 12 weeks to five years. The Assistant Teacher supports daily classroom operations, curriculum implementation, family communication, and compliance with all applicable early childhood education standards.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Teach, guide, and supervise children ages 12 weeks to five years in accordance with NAEYC, Keystone STARS, and DHS regulations and guidelines.
• Assist Lead Teachers in developing, planning, and implementing daily activities and lesson plans.
• Arrange, organize, and maintain educational materials, classroom environments, and equipment.
• Document daily activities, maintain accurate classroom records, and prepare required reports.
• Communicate regularly with parents through daily updates, monthly newsletters, timely emails, and meetings as needed.
• Maintain a Professional Development Record and complete all required training and credentialing mandates.
• Assume full classroom responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support classroom and Center operations.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree or two-year college equivalent and 3-5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field highly preferred.
• Solid understanding of early childhood development and working knowledge of early childhood education standards.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and nurturing skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and commitment to continuous professional development.
• Flexibility to work during Center operating hours (typically 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) to meet licensing ratios and operational needs.
• Skills or experience in language, art, music, or drama highly valued.
• Ability to work across multiple age groups, including infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Occasional lifting of 25-50 pounds.
• Frequent standing or walking.
• Intermittent sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, and kneeling.

Background Check Requirement:

A comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment background check is required for this position. Periodic background checks may also be conducted during employment in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

About the Division of Business Services:

The Division of Business Services (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-focused campus environment and delivering mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD's mission is to provide high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner that supports Penn's academic, research, and community priorities.

The Division is currently focused on three major strategic initiatives:

• Revenue growth and retention through improved marketing efforts, expanded services, and the development of new distribution channels
• Driving productivity for the Division and its customers through enhanced use of technology
• Enhancing service offerings through facility upgrades and expansions

Learn more: https://business-services.upenn.edu

About Penn Children's Center:

Penn Children's Center provides high-quality early childhood education for children ages three months to five years. Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus, PCC serves the University and surrounding communities through a developmentally appropriate, play-based approach that supports lifelong learning and growth.

Learn more: https://business-services.upenn.edu/childcare

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Business Services

Pay Range

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: ...
• Tuition: ...
• Retirement: ...
• Time Away from Work: ...
• Long-Term Care Insurance: ...
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: ...
• Professional and Personal Development: ...
• University Resources: ...
• Discounts and Special Services: ...
• Flexible Work Hours: ...
• Penn Home Ownership Services: ...
• Adoption Assistance: ...

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay