Preschool Teacher Assistant (3962)

Lutheran Services Florida • Westgate, FL

8d

About The Position

The Preschool Teacher Assistant works as part of a teaching team to develop activities for preschool children and help the teacher carry out educational objectives, policies, and performance standards. The role supports children’s development, family involvement, classroom safety, and Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance. Depending on program needs, the assistant may also serve as a bus monitor and perform other related duties.

The assistant implements approved curricula, guides children through classroom and other activities, supports social and self-help skills, contributes to ongoing child assessments, and works with families through conferences, home visits, and communications. The position also involves maintaining confidentiality, completing reports and timesheets, supporting volunteers, attending required training and meetings, and helping ensure children are kindergarten-ready.

This is an entry-level position. Applicants must meet the stated education and credential pathway, complete required training within the specified timelines, and obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire. A Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening are required before hiring. The role requires the ability to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist with transporting children with special needs.

Requirements

• High school graduation or a GED certificate.
• Meet one of the stated education/credential pathways: 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, together with the required Florida Child Care Facility training and approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers training.
• For the degree/enrollment pathway, enroll in the required 45-hour coursework within 90 days and complete it within 12 months, subject to the stated timeline based on the date of entry into the childcare industry and a maximum of 15 months.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successfully complete a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening before hiring.
• Some knowledge of developmentally appropriate early childhood practices, 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 in 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, and follow established procedures.
• Ability to administer CPR and First Aid, implement safety procedures, and work effectively with others.
• Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist with transporting children with special needs by lifting the child into a seat and fastening the safety belt; reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.

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/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-service training and implement approved curricula in the classroom.
• Help the teacher guide and facilitate children’s daily activities, field trips, and use of classroom equipment and materials.
• Cooperate with staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center and adapt to children’s needs.
• Write weekly observations and assist with maintaining a comprehensive portfolio assessment for each child, including observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Use parent conferences and home visits to discuss children’s development and progress, support parents’ observation skills, and solicit parent observations.
• Eat with and assist children in developing social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Guide children’s acquisition of social skills and use active supervision techniques to support positive classroom behavior.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment, including conducting daily health and environment checklists.
• Assist the teacher in ensuring children’s kindergarten readiness and quality staff-child interactions.
• Serve as a bus monitor when needed and engage children in developmentally appropriate activities during transportation.
• Attend staff training, workshops, meetings, and required board and parent meetings and activities.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers and provide guidance as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assist the teacher with required reports; complete accurate, timely timesheets; and distribute information to families as instructed.
• 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; Head Start employee time-off and holiday schedules may differ.
• 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