Preschool Teacher Assistant (3962)

Lutheran Services Florida • West Palm Beach, FL

9d

About The Position

The Preschool Teacher Assistant works as part of a teaching team to develop activities for preschool children and support the teacher in carrying out program goals, policies, and activities designed to meet educational objectives and performance standards. The role works with families to promote parent involvement, may serve as a bus monitor when children are transported, participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts, and may perform other duties based on program needs and developing expertise.

The assistant supports classroom instruction and children's development, helps maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, and contributes to assessments, family engagement, and required program documentation. This is an entry-level position. The employee must be able to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist in transporting children with special needs, including placing a child into a seat and fastening the safety belt. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) with Preschool Endorsement, Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC), Certified Childcare Professional (CCP), or enrollment in a degree program or possession of an associate, bachelor's, or advanced degree.
• Proof of successful completion of the 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility training and a certificate of completion for an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers course within 12 months of hire. The 45-hour training timeline depends on the candidate's date of entry into the childcare industry; candidates must enroll within 90 days and complete it within 12 months, not exceeding 15 months.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening before hiring.
• Some knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood, behavior modification theories and practices, and current educational techniques and practices.
• Skill in making presentations to groups, communicating verbally with children, and resolving conflicts.
• Ability to assist with planning, organizing, and conducting childhood education programs.
• Ability to sit on the floor or remain bent or kneeling for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare and maintain work-related reports and files; handle confidential information; use a computer and related software; follow established procedures; administer CPR and First Aid; implement safety procedures; and work effectively with others.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist in transporting children with special needs, including placing a child into a seat and fastening a 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.
• Completion of an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers course and the 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility training; the posting also describes these as allowable completion requirements within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-service training and implement approved curricula in the classroom.
• Perform duties with a strong understanding of Head Start Performance Standards and component plans.
• Work with the teacher to guide and facilitate children's activities, including daily activities, field trips, and selecting and arranging classroom equipment and materials.
• Cooperate with staff and classroom groups to support smooth center operations and adapt to children's needs.
• Write weekly observations according to assessment procedures and assist the teacher in maintaining a comprehensive portfolio assessment for each child, including observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss children's individual development and progress, help parents develop 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, assist in transporting children, and engage them in songs and developmentally appropriate activities during rides.
• Guide children's acquisition of social skills and use active supervision techniques to maintain positive classroom behavior.
• Attend staff training, workshops, staff meetings, board and parent meetings, and other required activities as requested or deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate environment and in conducting daily health and environment checklists.
• Assist the teacher in ensuring at least 80% of children are kindergarten ready and in achieving quality staff-child interactions with CLASS scores above the lowest 10% of the threshold in each domain.
• Receive a satisfactory or higher score on the Teacher Assistant Success Rubric.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers and provide guidance as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff according to established policies and procedures.
• Assist the teacher in completing required reports and distribute newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the supervisor.
• Complete accurate timesheets in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Work as a team player with coworkers and central service office staff, support cost-effective program operations, and adhere to agency policies and management practices.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 online access to doctors through telehealth.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday; Head Start employees' paid time off and holiday schedule may differ.
• Paid time off 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.
• Growth opportunities within the organization.

What This Job Offers

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