Preschool Instructional Aide

Preschool Instructional Aide

The Preschool Instructional Aide supports the Lead Preschool Teacher in providing a safe, caring, and engaging learning environment for preschool-aged children. This role assists with classroom instruction, supervision, daily activities, and student care while helping promote children's social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and academic development. The Preschool Instructional Aide works collaboratively with teachers and staff to maintain an organized, positive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist the classroom teacher in arranging the learning environment, including preparing developmentally appropriate materials, setting up learning centers, and maintaining organized and engaging classroom displays.
• Assist students in participating in classroom routines, activities, and play.
• Assure students' understanding of classroom expectations and procedures, and assist students by providing guidance, modeling appropriate behavior, offering emotional support, and maintaining a nurturing, positive presence.
• Assist the assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans and daily schedules in alignment with developmentally appropriate practices.
• Supervise students to always ensure safety, including during classroom activities, transitions, and on the playground, as well as during non-instructional times such as lunch, restrooms, and arrival and dismissal.
• Assist students with daily care routines, including meals, snacks, toileting, hygiene, and rest time.
• Assist with the preparation, organization, and clean-up of classroom materials, activities, and learning spaces.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly classroom environment in accordance with school expectations and Florida Department of Children and Families guidelines.
• Assist in observing and reporting student behaviors, incidents, and developmental concerns to the classroom teacher or administration.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and families in a professional and respectful manner.
• Perform additional job duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Spiritual & Character Qualifications:

• A mature follower of Jesus Christ with a heart for children and their spiritual growth
• Alignment with the doctrine, values, and culture of the church
• Servant-hearted leadership, relational maturity, and integrity
• Active participation in the life of the church

Professional Qualifications:

• CDA or college level courses in Education or Early Childhood Education
• A minimum of 1 year experience in a preschool program
• Completion of 45 DCF hours preferred; otherwise, 45 DCF hours must be completed within the first year of employment
• Experience working with young children in an educational or childcare setting preferred
• Ability to meet all state and local licensing requirements, including completion of DCF background screening and fingerprinting prior to employment

What You Are Required to Know:

• We are an EEO employer.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) exempt position.
• This role requires presence during family ministry programs, office hours, and special events. Some evenings and weekends may be required to support programs and events.

The above job description supersedes all previous descriptions. This job description is intended to be a tool to describe the primary purpose of the job and the KEY duties and responsibilities. This description does not state or imply that the functions listed above are the only tasks to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Management has the right to add to or change the job responsibilities at any time.