Assistant Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description About This Role The Orchard School seeks a part-time Assistant Preschool Teacher to support classrooms in a dynamic, flexible role. This position is ideal for early childhood education professionals seeking to grow their careers. Responsibilities include maintaining classroom routines, supporting lead teachers, and stepping into different classrooms as needed. The successful candidate will work with children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, with a schedule of 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM M-F and a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. The Assistant Teacher will have the opportunity to transition to a full-time role and will be paid $16.00–$18.00 per hour based on education and experience.

What You'll Do Support lead teachers in daily activities and provide hands-on assistance during play, meals, and transitions. Assist with supervising children aged 6 weeks to 5 years and maintain classroom cleanliness and organization. Help manage classroom behavior, support emotional regulation, and step into different classrooms as needed for coverage. Collaborate with staff to ensure smooth daily operations and assist with outdoor play in all seasons. Assist with toileting, diapering, and self-help routines, and provide reliable and consistent support to the classroom team.

Requirements Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, active classroom environment and able to follow direction and support classroom leadership. Ability to work with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children and be comfortable with diapering, toileting, and caregiving responsibilities. Strong teamwork and communication skills, with a willingness to adapt to different classrooms and schedules. Reliable, punctual, and consistent attendance, with a long-term interest in early childhood education. Ability to provide support to lead teachers and maintain classroom routines, with a flexible and adaptable attitude. Willingness to follow direction and support classroom leadership, with a strong sense of teamwork and communication. Must be comfortable working with diapering, toileting, and caregiving responsibilities, and be able to provide reliable and consistent support to the classroom team. Ability to transition to a full-time role when a position becomes available, with a long-term commitment to early childhood education.

Nice To Haves 6+ months experience in a childcare or classroom setting, with a CDA or coursework in Early Childhood Education. Experience working with infants and in play-based or center-based programs, with a strong interest in pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Flexibility to work in a variety of classroom settings and a willingness to adapt to changing schedules and priorities. Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with staff, children, and families. A genuine passion for early childhood education and a commitment to providing high-quality care and education to young children.

Benefits Paid Leave Sick Leave Tuition Assistance Child Care Discount Professional Development Opportunity to transition into a full-time position Scheduled raises after 6 months and annually Additional raises with completed credentials Support for continued education through Grow NJ Kids Hands-on training and classroom experience