Assistant Teacher

About the Cooperative Nursery School

The Cooperative Nursery School (“CNS”) is a nonprofit, parent-owned and operated preschool founded in 1967. CNS is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Private Academic Nursery School, serving approximately 38 children from 3 to 5 years of age. 

The school is located in the Mount Airy/Germantown section of Northwest Philadelphia, in a stone cottage on the green grounds of the Unitarian Society of Germantown. Educationally, the school functions under the leadership of a Director/Lead Teacher and a Lead Teacher, both certified in Early Childhood Education; two Assistant Teachers; an Administrative Coordinator; and a team of parents co-oping daily. Children’s schedules are flexible, and enrollment varies from day to day. 

According to each child’s needs, CNS nurtures social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. We embrace a play-based, emergent curriculum integrated with elements of the Reggio Emilia approach. Children are encouraged to expand their curiosity, explore their interests, deepen their understanding of their world, and learn to care for one another. 

Position: Assistant Teacher

CNS is seeking a highly motivated Preschool Assistant Teacher to work collaboratively with our teaching team, co-oping parents, and families to provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment that reflects the philosophy and values of the school. 

The Assistant Teacher is an active participant in the classroom and school community, helping to create an environment in which children feel safe, supported, curious, and capable. Working under the guidance of the Lead Teachers, the Assistant Teacher supports children’s learning through active observation, investigation, conversation, and reflection. They help children navigate relationships, develop independence, engage deeply in play, and explore their emerging interests. 

Schedule 

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., with extended hours until 1:00 p.m. two days per week, September through June. 

Compensation 

Salary will be negotiated based on experience; pay range is typically between $16-21/hr. Our staff is too small to be able to offer a full benefit package, but a QHSRA is available for medical expense reimbursement. 

Responsibilities 

The Assistant Teacher’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting Lead Teachers in the daily operation of the classroom and implementation of the school’s play-based, emergent curriculum. 

• Engaging with children during indoor and outdoor play, inquiry, small-group activities, transitions, meals, and other parts of the school day. 

• Observing children closely and contributing observations, ideas, and reflections to curriculum planning and documentation. 

• Supporting children’s social and emotional development, including helping children navigate peer relationships, conflict, problem-solving, and self-regulation. 

• Encouraging children’s independence, curiosity, creativity, and participation in the classroom community. 

• Helping prepare, maintain, and reset classroom materials and learning environments throughout the day. 

• Working collaboratively with Lead Teachers, the other Assistant Teacher, and co-oping parents to support a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom. 

• Communicating respectfully and professionally with children, colleagues, parents, and caregivers.

• Participating in staff meetings, professional development, school events, and other responsibilities related to the life of the school. 

• Assisting with the health, safety, and supervision of children at all times. 

• Performing other classroom and school-related duties as needed. 

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate: 

• Possesses initiative, energy, creativity, and a genuine interest in working with young children.

• Is dependable, nurturing, self-directed, and flexible. 

• Is a team player who contributes constructively in collaboration with colleagues and works proactively and respectfully with parents. 

• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Demonstrates dedication and commitment to equity and social justice. 

• Has the capacity to understand, appreciate, and reflect the diversity of CNS families. 

• Possesses a strong work ethic and positive attitude. 

• Has a high school diploma or equivalent. 

• Has experience working with young children; experience in an early childhood education setting is preferred.

• A degree, coursework, or certification in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred but not required. 

• Is open to engagement with the natural world in all seasons and weather. 

All candidates will be required to submit PA Child Abuse History Clearance Results (PA Act 33), PA Criminal History Report (PATCH) (PA Act 34), and Fingerprinting Results (PA Act 114). 

To Apply 

Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in working with Cooperative Nursery School to boardchair@cooperativenurseryschool.com 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Cooperative Nursery School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse school community and encourage applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply.