Preschool Teacher Assistant (3981)

Lutheran Services Florida • St Petersburg, FL

5d

About The Position

The Preschool Teacher Assistant works as part of a teaching team to develop activities for preschool children and assists the teacher in carrying out program goals, policies, educational objectives, and performance standards. The role supports children’s learning and development, partners with families to promote parent involvement, and contributes to Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts. The assistant may also serve as a bus monitor when children are transported and may take on other duties based on program needs and developing expertise.

The position helps implement approved curricula, facilitate classroom and field-trip activities, maintain a safe and developmentally appropriate environment, support children’s social and self-help skills, and complete observations and documentation. It includes working with families through conferences and home visits, assisting with assessments and reports, recruiting and orienting volunteers, and maintaining confidentiality. The schedule is Monday through Friday.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) with Preschool or Infant/Toddler Endorsement, or Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC) if applicable, or enrollment in a degree program, or an associate, bachelor’s, or advanced degree.
• Proof of successful completion of 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility training and completion of an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers course within 12 months of hire.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful completion of Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening prior to hiring.
• Some knowledge of developmentally appropriate early childhood practices, behavior modification theories and practices, and current educational techniques and practices.
• Ability to assist with planning, organizing, and conducting childhood education programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, make group presentations, communicate with children, and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to prepare and maintain work-related reports and files, handle confidential information, use a computer and related software, and follow established procedures.
• Ability to administer CPR and First Aid and implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others and demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Ability to assume seated, bent, or kneeling positions for extended periods.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist with transporting children with special needs, including lifting a child into a seat and fastening the safety belt.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Development or a related field, with 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education.
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish or English and another language present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-service training and implement approved curricula in the classroom.
• Work with the teacher to guide and facilitate children’s daily activities and field trips, and select and arrange classroom equipment and materials.
• Cooperate with staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center and adjust to children’s needs.
• Write weekly observations and assist in maintaining each child’s portfolio assessment, including observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Use parent conferences and home visits to discuss children’s development and progress, support parents’ observational skills, and solicit parent observations.
• Eat with and assist children in developing social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Serve as a bus monitor when needed and engage children in developmentally appropriate activities during transportation.
• Guide children’s acquisition of social skills and use active supervision and positive classroom behavior practices.
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment, including conducting daily health and environment checklists.
• Help the teacher ensure kindergarten readiness for at least 80% of the children and support quality staff-child interactions.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers and provide guidance as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Assist the teacher with required reports, complete accurate and timely timesheets, and distribute information to families as instructed.
• Attend staff training, workshops, meetings, and required parent and board meetings or activities.
• Perform other duties as required by program needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Telehealth with 24/7 online access to doctors
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday
• Generous paid time off policy starting at 16 working days per year
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED