(South Mountain) Preschool Assistant Teacher (August Start)

Sun Valley Academy•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Sun Valley Education is seeking a caring, dependable, and student- and family-centered professional to support the daily operations of our Preschool program. The Preschool Assistant Teacher plays an important role in creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive. The Assistant Teacher works under the direction of the Preschool Lead Teacher and supports the planning, organization, and implementation of daily activities, weekly lesson plans, special events, and family engagement opportunities. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with young children, families, and school staff while contributing to a positive early childhood learning environment.

Requirements

Knowledge of preschool-aged children and developmentally appropriate practices.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with children, families, coworkers, and school personnel.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow written and oral directions.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and effectively manage classroom responsibilities with minimal supervision.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to respond professionally to questions and concerns.
Strong work ethic, reliability, punctuality, and professional judgment.
Ability to maintain a positive, collaborative, and professional attitude in a fast-paced early childhood environment.
Commitment to providing high-quality, student- and family-centered care and serving as a positive role model for children and staff.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Actively working toward an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or degree in a related field.
Minimum of two years of previous experience working with preschool-aged children.
Must be at least 18 years of age and capable of independently caring for a large group of children in a classroom environment.
Level One IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card or ability to obtain one prior to employment.
Successful completion of required background checks.
Current TB test results dated within the previous year.
Must maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification - Required to be completed in person.
Valid Food Handler's Card.
Must register with the Arizona Registry upon hire.
Must complete required annual training to fulfill applicable licensing and professional development requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft programs.
Dependable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field.
Current CDA or other Early Childhood Education credential.
Experience working in a preschool, childcare, school, or early childhood education setting.
Experience developing and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities.
Experience communicating with families and supporting family engagement.
Experience with child assessments, parent-teacher conferences, or classroom documentation.
Familiarity with Arizona early childhood education requirements and licensing standards.
Experience using Class Dojo, Microsoft programs, or other classroom communication and administrative tools.

Responsibilities

Support the Preschool Lead Teacher with the daily supervision, care, and coordination of the preschool program, maintaining a warm, safe, and inclusive environment for children and families.
Assist with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate daily activities and weekly lesson plans aligned with the school's curriculum.
Actively engage children in learning activities and play that promote development, exploration, independence, and positive social interactions.
Maintain active supervision of children at all times, ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios, and position staff to maintain clear visibility of all children.
Assist children with age-appropriate activities of daily living, including hand washing, family-style meals, and caring for their classroom environment.
Prepare and maintain organized classrooms, activities, materials, and learning environments for daily programming.
Monitor classroom supplies and inventory and submit supply requests to the Director for approval.
Establish positive and professional relationships with children and families through daily interactions, Class Dojo, and other appropriate communication channels.
Maintain open communication and collaboration with Preschool staff, school personnel, and leadership.
Assist with attendance records, sign-in/out documentation, child assessments, and other required program records.
Support parent-teacher conferences, family participation events, school functions, and other program activities.
Report concerns involving children, coworkers, families, or program operations to the Lead Teacher or Director in a timely manner.
Follow all school policies, procedures, licensing requirements, and program expectations while proactively responding to issues that may affect program safety or quality.
Attend required trainings, staff meetings, school functions, and occasional events outside of regular work hours.