Preschool Teacher Assistant

CPCD • Colorado Springs, CO

16d • $18 - $22

About The Position

Assists the teacher in establishing, planning, and implementing safe, healthy, high-quality learning experiences and environments that advance the development of the whole child in partnership with families. The role follows CPCD policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, Colorado Department of Human Services licensing requirements, and Colorado Quality Standards for Early Childhood Care and Education Services. It implements a balance of group and individualized experiences to promote school-readiness skills under CPCD’s School Readiness Action Plan.

The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week and runs with the program year from August through May, with summers off. The position is set to begin November 2; no year is specified. Pay is hourly and depends on qualifications, ranging from $17.59 to $22.34. CPCD serves children from prenatal through age five and their families through Head Start and Early Head Start programs, with classrooms in six school districts throughout El Paso County.

The assistant supports classroom teachers with lesson preparation, child supervision and safety, learning and play-based engagement, classroom routines, social-emotional development, daily care, family and staff communication, professional development, documentation, confidentiality, and classroom cleanliness. The role may require travel to another work location during the day. Eligible employees working at least 25 hours per week may receive the benefits described in the posting.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II (PDIS); candidates without the credential must be willing to obtain it within two years of hire.
• Obtain First Aid, CPR, and medication administration certifications within 90 days of employment and maintain them as required.
• Ability to lift, carry, or manipulate up to 40 pounds.
• Reliable transportation to perform job duties, including traveling to another location during the workday if necessary.
• If using a personal vehicle, maintain minimum liability insurance as determined by the State of Colorado.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment physical examination, TB test, drug test (including marijuana), and background check; physical examination and TB test thereafter as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with organizational privacy and data-protection policies.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of successful work experience with children from birth to age three and/or age five.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead teacher in planning and implementing age-appropriate activities that promote children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Prepare learning materials and organize the classroom for lessons, crafts, and playtime.
• Collaborate with the lead teacher to assess children's progress and adapt learning strategies to individual needs.
• Maintain constant supervision of children during classroom activities, outdoor play, and transitions.
• Assist with safety rules and routines, equipment checks, and maintaining a hazard-free environment.
• Support children's bathroom routines, handwashing, diapering, and toilet training as needed.
• Engage children in play and structured activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning.
• Model and encourage sharing, cooperation, conflict resolution, and other positive social behaviors.
• Guide children in activities that develop fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving, and social interactions.
• Help maintain a positive, orderly classroom and support consistent rules and routines.
• Support transitions among learning stations, meals, and outdoor activities.
• Use positive reinforcement and guidance to address behavior challenges.
• Foster a supportive classroom where children feel valued and can express their feelings.
• Help children develop interpersonal skills, navigate emotions, and practice self-regulation.
• Assist children with self-care and preparation for meals and nap time.
• Supervise meals and snacks and encourage healthy eating habits and good manners.
• Communicate with the lead teacher about lesson plans, routines, and individual child needs.
• Update parents about children's progress, daily activities, and concerns as directed by the lead teacher.
• Collaborate with staff to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment.
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and required training; seek feedback and opportunities to improve.
• Assist with attendance records, incident reports, behavioral observations, developmental progress reports, and documentation of children's progress.
• Protect confidential information about children, families, and staff in all communications and records.
• Follow health and hygiene standards and clean and sanitize toys, materials, and equipment regularly.
• Help children practice proper hygiene, including handwashing before meals and after using the bathroom.
• Perform other duties assigned by the lead teacher or Child Development Supervisor.

Benefits

• Paid vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays and breaks for eligible employees working at least 25 hours per week.
• Paid holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Presidents Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
• Paid breaks include one week for Spring Break, one week for Fall Break, and two weeks for Winter Break.
• Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, Aflac supplemental insurance, and voluntary life insurance for eligible employees.
• Employer-paid Basic Life, Long Term Disability, and AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) traditional and Roth enrollment options, with automatic enrollment in profit-sharing after one year of employment.
• Tuition assistance after 60 days: up to $4,000 per year for Early Childhood Education associate's or bachelor's degrees, or up to $2,500 per year for other degrees related to employment at CPCD.
• Employee Assistance Program providing six free sessions with a counselor or therapist per year.
• Well-being program, including two hours of paid time per month for wellness activities.

What This Job Offers

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