(South Mountain) Preschool Assistant Teacher (October Start)

Sun Valley Academy•Phoenix, AZ

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Sun Valley Education is seeking a caring, dependable, and student- and family-centered Assistant Preschool Teacher to support the daily operations of its preschool program at South Mountain. Under the direction of the Preschool Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher helps plan, organize, and implement daily activities, weekly lesson plans, special events, and family engagement opportunities. The role contributes to a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive. The Assistant Teacher works closely with children, families, preschool staff, school personnel, and leadership. The position is full-time and non-exempt, with a stated salary of $18 per hour. The posting identifies an October start but does not specify a calendar year or exact start date. Sun Valley Education is a charter school district serving the Avondale, Glendale, and South Mountain communities. It focuses on educating the whole child through academics, leadership development, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and a nurturing environment. The organization promotes diversity and inclusion, community partnerships, and sustainable practices.

Requirements

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.
At least two years of previous experience working with preschool-aged children.
At least 18 years of age and able to independently care for a large group of children in a classroom environment.
Level One IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card or ability to obtain one before employment.
Successful completion of required background checks.
Current TB test results dated within the previous year.
Maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification; certification must be completed in person.
Valid Food Handler's Card.
Register with the Arizona Registry upon hire.
Complete required annual training for applicable licensing and professional development requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft programs.
Dependable transportation.
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 manage classroom responsibilities effectively with minimal supervision.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, including 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 high-quality, student- and family-centered care and to serving as a positive role model for children and staff.
Ability to perform the physical activities described in the posting, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials and equipment up to 40 pounds, and physically managing an active preschool classroom.
Ability to perform duties in varying weather conditions and indoor and outdoor temperatures.

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 daily supervision, care, and coordination of the preschool program, maintaining a warm, safe, and inclusive environment for children and families.
Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate daily activities and weekly lesson plans aligned with the school's curriculum.
Engage children in learning activities and play that promote development, exploration, independence, and positive social interactions.
Actively supervise children, maintain staff-to-child ratios, and position staff to ensure clear visibility of all children.
Assist children with age-appropriate activities of daily living, including hand washing, family-style meals, and caring for the 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.
Build positive, professional relationships with children and families through daily interactions, Class Dojo, and other appropriate communication channels.
Communicate and collaborate 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 school policies, procedures, licensing requirements, and program expectations, and respond proactively to issues that may affect safety or program quality.
Attend required trainings, staff meetings, school functions, and occasional events outside regular work hours.