Preschool Teacher Assistant (3844)

Lutheran Services Florida • Largo, FL

17d

About The Position

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

The assistant implements approved curricula and helps guide children’s daily activities, including field trips and classroom equipment and materials. The role supports children’s social, self-help, and nutritional development; maintains a safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate environment; and contributes to children’s kindergarten readiness and quality staff-child interactions. The assistant supports ongoing child portfolio assessments, observations, home visits, and parent conferences, and helps recruit and orient volunteers.

The position requires participation in staff and parent meetings, training, and workshops; completion of reports and timesheets; distribution of information to families; and strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff. The role is Monday through Friday and offers a $3,000 sign-on bonus. The position requires the ability to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist in transporting children with special needs. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Requirements

• High school graduation or a GED certificate.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) with a Preschool or Infant/Toddler endorsement, or a Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC) if applicable, or enrollment in a degree program, or an associate, bachelor’s, or advanced degree.
• Successful completion of 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility training and 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, 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 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.
• 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, and the specified training and certificates.
• Bilingual ability in English/Spanish or English and another language present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-service training and implement approved curricula in the classroom.
• Support the teacher in guiding and facilitating children’s daily activities, field trips, and use of classroom equipment and materials.
• Help maintain the smooth functioning of the center and adapt to children’s needs.
• Write weekly observations and assist in maintaining each child’s ongoing portfolio assessment, including work samples and developmental assessments.
• Participate in parent conferences and home visits to discuss children’s development and progress, and encourage parents’ observational skills and feedback.
• Eat with and assist children in developing social, self-help, and sound nutritional practices.
• Guide children’s acquisition of social skills and use active supervision and positive classroom behavior practices.
• Serve as a bus monitor when needed and engage children in developmentally appropriate activities during transportation.
• Help provide and maintain a safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate environment and complete daily health and environment checklists.
• Assist the teacher in supporting kindergarten readiness and quality staff-child interactions.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers and provide guidance as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality concerning Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Assist the teacher with required reports and distribute newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed.
• Complete accurate timesheets on time.
• Attend required staff and parent meetings, activities, training, workshops, and other meetings as directed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 24/7 online access to doctors through telehealth
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday
• Paid time off starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employee PTO and holiday schedules may differ
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• $3,000 sign-on bonus

What This Job Offers

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