Preschool Teacher Assistant (3126)

Lutheran Services Florida • Jupiter, FL

1d

About The Position

The Preschool Teacher Assistant works as part of a teaching team to develop activities for preschool children and assists the teacher in carrying out program goals, policies, and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards. The position supports family engagement and may serve as a bus monitor when children are transported. Additional duties may be assigned based on program needs and developing expertise. The assistant also participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts.

The role supports classroom instruction and children's development by implementing approved curricula, helping guide daily activities and field trips, preparing classroom equipment and materials, observing and documenting children's progress, and helping maintain a safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate environment. The assistant works with families through home visits, conferences, newsletters, and other program communications, and maintains confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and one of the specified early childhood credentials or education pathways, with required coursework completed within the stated timelines. First Aid and CPR certification, background screening, and health, TB, and drug screening are also required. The position is entry level and requires the ability to lift at least 45 pounds and provide physical assistance to children with special needs.

Requirements

• High school graduation or a GED certificate.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) with Preschool Endorsement, Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC), or Certified Childcare Professional (CCP); alternatively, enrollment in a degree program or an associate, bachelor's, or advanced degree, together with the specified required training.
• Proof of successful completion of 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility training and a certificate of completion for an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers course, within the stated timelines.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening and local criminal record check, and health, TB, and drug screening before hiring.
• Some knowledge of developmentally appropriate early childhood practices, behavior modification theories and practices, and current educational techniques and practices.
• Skills in presenting to groups, communicating verbally with children, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to assist with planning, organizing, and conducting childhood education programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, prepare and maintain work-related reports and files, and handle confidential information.
• Ability to use a computer and related software, follow established procedures, administer CPR and First Aid, and implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others and demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• 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 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 other languages present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-service training and implement approved curricula in the classroom.
• Work with the teacher to guide children's daily activities, field trips, and selection and arrangement of classroom equipment and materials.
• Cooperate with staff and classroom groups to maintain smooth center operations and adapt to children's needs.
• Write weekly observations and assist with ongoing portfolio assessments, including work samples and developmental assessments.
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss children's development and progress, encourage parent observation, and solicit parent observations.
• Eat with and assist children in developing social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Guide children's acquisition of social skills, use active supervision, and maintain positive classroom behavior.
• Serve as a bus monitor when needed and engage children in developmentally appropriate activities during transportation.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment, including completing daily health and environment checklists.
• Assist the teacher in supporting kindergarten readiness, quality staff-child interactions, and required program performance standards.
• 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 in a timely manner.
• Attend required training, workshops, staff meetings, board meetings, parent meetings, and activities.
• Perform other duties as required by program needs or the supervisor.

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.
• Generous paid time off policy starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees' paid time off and holiday schedule 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