Learning Development Associate Jobs in Wells, ME

We are currently seeking Full-Time Associate Teachers to join our team at our Portsmouth center. This is a co-teaching position, working collaboratively with another Lead or Associate Teacher to create a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children.

• Ensure the care, safety, and well-being of preschool children at all times.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that promote growth across all learning domains.
• Collaborate effectively with co-teachers to maintain a consistent and supportive classroom environment.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom space.
• Follow all licensing regulations, center policies, and procedures.

• Location: Portsmouth, NH
• Hours: Monday – Friday, between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM (exact shifts may vary)

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards.
• Lead by example, encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Plan individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive and emotional growth.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
• Supervise child care assistants and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

An associate teacher in a center-based program shall be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, including but not limited to General Equivalency Diploma (GED), a High School Equivalency Test (HiSet), or a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), and have one of the following options:

(1) Written documentation from or on file with the department that she or he was qualified and employed as an associate teacher on or before November 6, 2017;

(2) A minimum of 9 credits in related coursework, including at least one 3 credit course in child or human growth and development;

(3) Current certification as para II educator by the department of education; or

(4) A minimum of 1000 hours of supervised child care experience in a licensed child care program, and knowledge of child growth and development obtained through one of the following:

a. Completion of a high school level 2-year career and technical education course in teacher education;

b. A 3 credit college course in child or human growth and development;

c. Thirty hours of training in child growth and development, granted by an accredited college or university, an authorized provider of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training or obtained through documented life experience, including experience with the same age children the associate teacher supervises, such as a family child care provider, service as a foster parent, work as a school teacher, work as a camp counselor and experience as a group leader for children in sports or other activities, such as scouts or little league, or closely related experience.

• Experience working with children
• First Aid and CPR
• Knowledge of Procare

Full Time Employees

• Affordable Medical, Dental, & Vision are available on the 1st of the month after your first 30 days of employment.
• Employer paid Short Term Disability & Life Insurance.
• Vacation and Sick Time earned on the 1st of the month after your first 30 days of employment.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan for all employees that work 20+ hours a week.
• Discounts on childcare tuition rates (based on availability)
• Enjoy 8 paid holidays a year
• Staff Appreciation Weeks - a fun filled week of celebration our staff!
• 3 Program Development Days
• Access to Educational Grants
• SELA discounts on auto, electricity, phone, fuel, etc.

All Employees

• Employees who work 15+ hours accrue vacation and sick time, starting 1st of the month after your first 30 days of employment.
• Enjoy 8 paid holidays a year if scheduled to work on the day the holiday falls!
• Staff Appreciation Weeks - a fun filled week of celebrating our staff!
• 3 Program Development Days
• Fun & Family like atmosphere
• Access to Educational Grants
• Half hour paid lunch (if working over 6 hours)
• SELA discounts on auto, electricity, phone, fuel etc.

Great Bay Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality early childhood education and school age enrichment programs for children. Our early education facilities are located in Exeter and Portsmouth, NH with school age programs offered in Exeter and Portsmouth (Summer only).