Principia The·Des Peres, Missouri
The assistant teacher supports the lead teacher in implementing Reggio Emilia-inspired learning experiences for infants and toddlers. They are responsible for maintaining a safe, nurturing classroom environment and assisting with daily care routines like diapering and potty training.
Title: Early Learning Center Part-Time Assistant Teacher
Early Childhood, St. Louis
Part-Time, 12:30 – 5:30 p.m., 39-week (Non-benefits eligible)
$20 - $25 per hour
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.
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 [https://www.principiaschool.org/about/values].
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 [https://www.principia.edu/debm] where everyone feels they belong and are valued.
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.
0 Minimum Qualifications
Student of Christian Science preferred
Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements [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.
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.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in education, with a preference for early childhood education. Experience working with children under three in a professional or caregiving setting is required.
Market context
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.