Preschool Teacher Assistant (323)

Lutheran Services Florida • Fort Walton Beach, FL

1d

About The Position

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

The assistant helps provide a safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate classroom environment; implements approved curricula; guides children’s learning and social development; and supports assessment, family engagement, classroom operations, and program documentation. This is an entry-level position requiring a high school diploma or GED and specified early-childhood credentials, training, and screenings. First Aid and CPR certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

Requirements

• High school graduation or a GED certificate.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) with a Preschool or Infant/Toddler endorsement, or Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC), if applicable; alternatively, be enrolled in a degree program or hold an associate, bachelor’s, or advanced degree.
• Proof of successful completion of the 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 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 and communicating verbally with children, including conflict resolution.
• Ability to assist with planning, organizing, and conducting childhood education programs.
• Ability to sit on the floor, bend, or kneel 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.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the population served.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist in 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.
• Apply an understanding of Head Start Performance Standards and component plans in carrying out the position.
• Work with the teacher to guide children’s activities, including daily activities and field trips, and to select and arrange classroom equipment and materials.
• Cooperate with staff and classroom groups to support the smooth functioning of the center and adapt to children’s needs.
• Write weekly observations and assist with each child’s ongoing portfolio assessment, including observations, examples of work, and developmental assessments.
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss children’s development and progress, help parents develop observational skills, and solicit parent observations.
• Eat with and assist children as they develop social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Guide children in acquiring social skills and use active supervision and positive classroom behavior practices.
• Serve as a bus monitor when needed, assisting with transportation and engaging children in developmentally appropriate activities during the ride.
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate environment and in conducting daily health and environment checklists.
• Assist the teacher in supporting kindergarten readiness for at least 80% of children and in achieving quality staff-child interactions reflected in CLASS scores above the lowest 10% threshold in each domain.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers and provide guidance as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Assist the teacher with required reports, complete accurate and timely timesheets, and distribute information to families as instructed.
• Attend required training, workshops, staff meetings, parent meetings and activities, and board meetings when requested.
• Perform other duties as required by program needs or the supervisor.

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