Supports the lead teacher in implementing Reggio Emilia-inspired learning experiences for infants through preschool-age children. Maintains a safe, nurturing classroom environment and manages daily routines including care and discipline.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Education, preferably with a focus on Early Childhood Education. Experience working with children under five in a professional or caregiving setting is required.
The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher supports a nurturing, inclusive environment for infants through preschool-age children.
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 Early Childhood Principal, 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
Teachers at Principia School serve as transformational educators who bring subject-matter expertise—such as early childhood development—to life through engaging instruction, character development, and joyful learning experiences. They design and deliver lessons that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and spiritual growth while maintaining a supportive and inclusive classroom environment rooted in Christian Science values. Teachers instruct students from birth to 5, communicate regularly with parents and colleagues to support student progress, and participate in ongoing professional growth, curriculum development, and community life. They contribute to a vibrant school culture through activities such as advisory programs, chapel, field trips, and extracurricular leadership.
Within our close-knit, mission-driven learning community, Principia School teachers nurture students’ limitless potential—academically, morally, and spiritually—modeling love, integrity, and lifelong learning in all they do.
Primary Responsibilities
Displays a strong interest and love for working with young children and their parents
Nurturing, intuitive, and responsive to the various developmental needs of children
Provides a welcoming, encouraging, and joyful atmosphere for children and families
Expresses patience, creativity, joy, and a sense of humor
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Professional Development
Relocation Reimbursement
403(b) Retirement Plan With Matching
Employee Tuition Discount
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
Maintains attentive, respectful care during all routines, including diapering and toileting, while promoting dignity, comfort, and emerging independence
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: 0
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.
Bachelor's degree in Education; a focus in Early Childhood Education is preferred
Experience working with children under the age of five 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.
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary range for this position, starting at $25 hourly for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and no prior teaching experience. Salary is commensurate with degree and years of teaching experience.
In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes
Generous
Employee
Tuition
Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Preschool 3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
Relocation: Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
Professional
Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
Comprehensive
Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here [https://www.principia.edu/jobs/highlights], including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.
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.
In Missouri, teaching assistant roles often draw steady interest because schools and early childhood programs need candidates who can support classrooms for ages 0-5. These positions are competitive when applicants already have a CDA or early childhood college credits, plus CPR and First Aid certification and experience with young children. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your credentials and recent child-care experience before applying.
