Preschool Teaching Assistant

Kamehameha Schools•Kailua, HI

2d•$27 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

Kamehameha Schools is hiring a full-time Teaching Assistant to support its North Hawaii preschool region. This Monday-through-Friday role supports the Preschool instructional team in delivering a Hawaiian Culture-Based Education program that fosters Christian values. The Teaching Assistant helps enhance student learning, maintain student safety and required teacher-to-student ratios, support developmentally appropriate activities and assessments, communicate with families, and maintain required certifications. The Teaching Assistant serves as the Teacher when the Teacher is absent. The role includes providing instructional support to individual students and groups; preparing materials and assisting with lesson plans; supervising students and maintaining a safe, healthy, organized classroom; documenting attendance, behavior, progress, and development; and communicating student needs to teachers, staff, and families. The Teaching Assistant also participates in family engagement, including home visits, professional development, training, and regional meetings. When substituting for the Teacher, the Teaching Assistant assumes responsibility for classroom management, instruction, student supervision, lesson plans, and child assessments. The position is based at Hamakua Preschool in Paauilo, Hawaii. Work is typically conducted Monday through Friday during normal business hours, indoors and outdoors at the preschool and at off-site locations. The role may involve travel to various locations, including neighbor islands, and work at different locations within the region. The position has a 10-month work year and an hourly pay range of $27.19–$36.49.

Requirements

One of the following educational credentials: an associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE); an associate degree plus 9 ECE credits; Child Development Associate (CDA) certification; or 2 years of college (60 credits) with a College Certificate of Recognition in Early Childhood (16 credits).
At least 6 months of related work experience.
Current Community First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification.
Current Department of Health Food Handler’s certification.
Ability to implement and support early childhood behavior-management strategies that promote positive student behavior and classroom management.
Patience and understanding of young children’s developmental needs, with a focus on creating a nurturing and safe environment.
Experience maintaining a structured, safe classroom while supervising students independently or under a teacher’s direction.
Proficiency using classroom technology and educational tools for lesson support and student assessments.
Ability to build strong relationships with students and their families.
Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers and other staff as a team player.
Adaptability in meeting students’ diverse needs and implementing individualized support strategies.
Ability to perform the stated physical tasks, including frequently sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, desk-based tasks, grasping, and lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 30 pounds; frequent twisting, squatting, kneeling, climbing, reaching above shoulder height, and fine manipulation.

Nice To Haves

Valid driver’s license.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education.
Two years of classroom experience, ideally with preschool or early childhood students.
Previous involvement in planning and implementing learning activities or assisting in instructional roles.
Familiarity with culturally relevant curricula, especially Hawaiian culture-based education.
College credits in ECE are preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with daily classroom instruction through individual, small-group, and large-group support aligned with lesson plans.
Help create and prepare instructional materials and learning resources tailored to students’ needs.
Support the teacher in implementing lesson plans and engaging students in classroom content.
Facilitate group activities that encourage cooperative learning and participation.
Observe students and document behavior, progress, and development for teacher assessments.
Supervise student behavior independently and under the teacher’s direction using early childhood behavior-management strategies aligned with school policies.
Supervise students in settings such as breaks and group activities to ensure their safety and appropriate behavior.
Prepare classroom materials and maintain classroom organization, including snack menu planning and supply management.
Maintain a safe and healthy classroom by identifying safety concerns, sanitizing areas, and following school and state licensing health and safety policies.
Maintain attendance and other student records, and communicate student needs to teachers and other staff.
Participate in required professional development and training, staying current with relevant technology and early childhood education practices.
Build relationships with families and communicate about children’s behavior, learning progress, and developmental milestones.
Discuss behavioral or learning challenges with families and provide constructive feedback and strategies.
Participate in home visits with the teacher to build family relationships and provide progress updates.
In the Teacher’s absence, assume responsibility for classroom management, lesson delivery, and student supervision.
Develop and implement lesson plans or follow teacher-prepared plans when substituting.
Implement child assessment plans, monitor student development, and provide appropriate interventions or feedback.
Participate in regional staff development, training sessions, and meetings.