Preschool Assistant Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description for Teacher Aide

The ideal candidate will be professionally trained in Early Childhood Education and Child Development and meet all state licensing requirements for an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Assistant Teacher. They should demonstrate a genuine passion for working with young children and possess the knowledge and skills necessary to support their growth and development. This individual must be compassionate, dependable, and emotionally mature, with the ability to build positive relationships with both children and adults. Strong communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to providing consistency and stability within the program are essential. As a faith-based organization, we seek a committed Christian who actively participates in a local church community and serves as a positive role model, reflecting Christian values in both words and actions. This position is non-exempt, hourly with a workday of 8 hours, Monday through Friday.

General Description of Duties

The Teacher Aide plays a vital role in supporting the overall success of the classroom and the well-being of each child. Responsibilities include engaging positively with children, assisting with daily care routines, preparing snacks, supporting toileting needs, and working collaboratively with the Lead Preschool Teacher (LPT) in all aspects of classroom management and instruction.

The Teacher Aide contributes to the ongoing observation and assessment of each child’s spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth and development. This position requires flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to assume Lead Preschool Teacher responsibilities when directed or when circumstances require.

Responsibilities

This position is designated as an on-site position. Employees are required to perform all job duties and responsibilities at the organization's designated work location during scheduled work hours.

Due to the nature of the position, including direct interaction with children, staff, families, and program operations, remote work, telecommuting, or work-from-home arrangements are not permitted. Regular and reliable on-site attendance is an essential function of this position.

Employees are expected to report to the assigned worksite as scheduled and comply with all attendance and scheduling requirements. Failure to maintain regular on-site attendance may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

1.Support and implement the classroom vision and direction established by the Lead Preschool Teacher, including classroom management, discipline, curriculum implementation, and daily activities.

2.Be flexible and available to work scheduled shifts between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., as staffing and program needs require. Occasional special events may require adjusted schedules or split shifts. There are no set schedules.

3.Meet the individual needs of children by providing nurturing care, organizing engaging learning experiences, and supporting activities that foster spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

4.Provide active and engaged supervision during outdoor play at all times. Staff members are required to position themselves in assigned areas throughout the playground to ensure full visibility and coverage of all children. Teachers will rotate supervision stations approximately every 10 minutes as directed. Gathering or huddling together while supervising children is not permitted, as maintaining proper supervision and student safety is the highest priority.

5.Employees are expected to be available to work on all designated blackout dates as outlined in the school calendar. Time-off requests for blackout dates will not be approved. Please refer to the annual school calendar for a complete list of blackout dates and required workdays.

6.Complete daily classroom responsibilities, including preparing and serving snacks, organizing children’s belongings, and maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming classroom environment. Duties include, but are not limited to, light housekeeping tasks such as sweeping, mopping, disinfecting tables and chairs multiple times throughout the day, emptying trash, and ensuring in-classroom restrooms remain clean, stocked, and sanitary.

7.Treat every child with dignity, respect, and Christ-like compassion. Be warm and inviting to parents, acknowledging at pick-up and drop-off and providing daily communication. Follow the school’s discipline policies with students and communicate behavioral concerns promptly and professionally with the Lead Preschool Teacher and, when necessary, the Director.

8.Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, and all school-related matters.

9.Attend all required staff meetings, training sessions, and school events. Complete a minimum of 8 hours of professional development annually and participate in designated events such as Back-to-School Night, Christmas programs, parent conferences, and other school functions.

10.Collaborate with the Lead Preschool Teacher to observe, assess, and document each child’s spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, including participation in assessments and parent/teacher conferences.

11. Maintain current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certifications and comply with all licensing and safety requirements.

12.Serve as a positive Christian role model, demonstrating faith, integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to the mission and values of the school.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

The Teacher Aide should possess a strong working knowledge of the following:

• Child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.
• Developmentally appropriate learning experiences and activities that support children's growth and learning.
• State licensing regulations, school policies, and safety procedures to ensure the health, wellbeing, and supervision of all children.
• Effective classroom management techniques and positive behavior guidance strategies.
• The importance of cultural awareness, diversity, inclusion, and respect for individual differences.
• Christian values and the integration of faith into the educational environment.
Skills

The Teacher Aide should demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Classroom supervision and child engagement.
• Critical thinking, problemsolving, and sound decisionmaking.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Active listening and professional relationshipbuilding.
• Organization, time management, and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Adaptability and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• The ability to support and enhance the teaching and learning process.
• Maintaining a calm and professional demeanor in challenging situations.
Personal Attributes

The Teacher Aide is expected to maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate the following qualities:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a genuine commitment to Christian education and ministry.
• A heart for serving children and families in a Christcentered environment.
• Professionalism, integrity, and strong ethical character.
• Respect, kindness, and consideration for others.
• Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and appreciation for diversity.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change.
• Reliability, consistency, and fairness in all interactions.
• Compassion, patience, and understanding when working with children, families, and colleagues.
• The ability to foster a positive classroom atmosphere that promotes confidence, belonging, and emotional security.
• A commitment to creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and supportive learning environment.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting on the floor or child-sized furniture. The Teacher Aide is also responsible for helping maintain a clean, safe, and organized learning environment.

Work Environment

The ability to effectively supervise children, maintain a safe environment, and remain attentive while managing multiple responsibilities is essential. This position may involve exposure to typical classroom conditions, including noise, cleaning products, and routine childcare responsibilities such as assisting with toileting and caring for children who may become ill during the school day.

Cognitive Requirements

The Teacher Aide must be able to exercise sound judgment, remain attentive to children’s safety and well-being, and effectively manage multiple tasks in a busy classroom environment. The ability to respond calmly and appropriately to unexpected situations, accidents, or emergencies is essential.

Professional Qualifications

First Aid/CPR Certified

Cleared Criminal Records check

Mandated Reporter Training

One year of experience working with children, additional preferred

Minimum 18 years of age

High School Diploma or GED

Minimum of 6 ECE Units through accredited college (completed or in-process)

This is a Part-time, non-exempt position requiring regular on-site presence during operating hours to support staff, families, and daily operations. Occasional off-site work or participation in special events outside regular hours may be required. Employment is at-will, and either the employee or employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. PDCPC reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.