Preschool Teacher Assistant (3981)

Lutheran Services Florida • Saint Petersburg, FL

6d

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida is hiring a Teacher Assistant to work as part of a teaching team serving preschool children. The role assists the teacher in developing activities and implementing educational objectives, curricula, policies, and performance standards. The assistant works with families to promote parent involvement, supports children’s development and kindergarten readiness, and may serve as a bus monitor when children are transported. The role also participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts and may take on other duties based on program needs and developing expertise.

The schedule is Monday through Friday. The position requires supporting a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate classroom; maintaining confidentiality; completing observations, reports, assessments, and time sheets; and participating in required trainings, meetings, home visits, and family conferences. The assistant must demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the program’s service population.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) with Preschool or Infant/Toddler Endorsement, or a 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 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.
• Ability to assist in planning, organizing, and conducting childhood education programs.
• Verbal communication and conflict-resolution skills with children, and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to make presentations to groups, 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 sit on the floor or remain bent or kneeling for extended periods.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist with transporting children with special needs, including lifting a child into a seat and fastening a safety belt; reasonable accommodations may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.
• 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 and Spanish or English and another language present in the local area.
• Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC), if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-service training and implement approved classroom curricula.
• Assist the teacher in guiding children’s daily activities, field trips, and use of classroom equipment and materials.
• Work cooperatively with staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center and adapt to children’s needs.
• Write weekly observations and help maintain each child’s portfolio, including observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss children’s development and progress, support parents’ observation skills, and solicit their 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 maintain positive classroom behavior using active supervision techniques.
• Serve as a bus monitor when needed, including engaging 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 for at least 80% of children and in achieving quality staff-child interaction CLASS scores above the lowest 10% threshold in each domain.
• Assist in recruiting, orienting, and guiding volunteers.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding 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 time sheets and attend required staff training, workshops, meetings, board and parent meetings, and activities.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 online telehealth access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday.
• Generous paid time off, 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.
• Growth opportunities within the organization.

What This Job Offers

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