Preschool Teacher Assistant

Lutheran Services Florida • Lake Worth, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a Preschool Teacher Assistant to join their team. This role is crucial in supporting the development of preschool children by assisting the teacher in implementing educational activities and fostering parent involvement. The position operates Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. The Preschool Teacher Assistant will work as part of a teaching team, help carry out program goals and policies, and may serve as a Bus Monitor. They will also participate in Head Start/Early Head Start Quality Assurance efforts and perform additional duties as needed.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Preschool Endorsement.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Infant/Toddler Endorsement, or Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC) if applicable or be enrolled in a degree program or have an associates, bachelor, or advanced degree.
• Proof of successful completion of the 45 hours Florida Child Care Facility training and a Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers within 12 months of hire date.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR within 90 days from the date of hire.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health, TB and drug screening prior to hiring.
• Some knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood.
• Some knowledge of behavior modification theories and practices.
• Some knowledge of current educational techniques and practices.
• Skill in making presentations to groups.
• Skill in verbal communication with children and conflict resolution.
• Ability to assist in the planning, organizing and conducting of childhood education programs.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor, or a bent or kneeled position for extended periods of time.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and maintain work related reports and files.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to administer CPR and First Aid.
• Ability to implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

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.
• Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers.
• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Participates in pre-service training.
• Implements approved curricula in the classroom.
• Performs the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and the component plans.
• With the teacher, guides and facilitates activities of the children, including daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Cooperates with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
• Writes weekly observations per assessment procedure.
• Uses parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assists the parents in developing observational skills and solicits parent observations.
• Eats with and assists children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
• If needed, serves as a bus monitor in the transportation of children and engages children in song and other developmentally appropriate activities during ride.
• Guides children's acquisition of social skills.
• Attends staff training and meetings, and board and parent meetings as requested.
• Assists in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment.
• Assists teacher in ensuring that at least 80% of the children are kindergarten ready.
• Assists in quality staff-child interactions resulting in a CLASS scores greater than the lowest 10% of the threshold in each domain.
• Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior.
• Receives a satisfactory or higher score on the Teacher Assistant Success Rubric.
• Assists teacher in maintaining a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment.
• Assists teacher in conducting and using home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.
• Assist in conducting the daily health and environment check list.
• Assists in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assists the teacher in the completion of required reports.
• Completes timely and accurate time sheets.
• Distributes newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the supervisor.
• Attends all training, workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Performs other duties, as may be required.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 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