Preschool Teacher Assistant (3844)

Lutheran Services Florida • Largo, FL

17d

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant works as part of a teaching team to develop activities for preschool children and helps the teacher carry out program goals, policies, educational objectives, and performance standards. The role promotes family involvement and supports children’s development, safety, health, and kindergarten readiness. The assistant may serve as a bus monitor when children are transported and may take on additional duties based on program needs and developing expertise. The position also participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts.

The assistant implements approved curricula, guides children’s activities and social skills, helps maintain a safe and developmentally appropriate classroom, and supports assessment through observations and child portfolios. The role works with families through home visits and conferences, assists with volunteers and required reports, maintains confidentiality, and attends required training and meetings. This is an entry-level position with a Monday–Friday schedule. A $3,000 sign-on bonus is offered.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) with Preschool or Infant/Toddler Endorsement, or Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC) if applicable, or enrollment in a degree program, or 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 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 group presentations, 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 maintain bent or kneeling positions for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare and maintain work-related reports and files; handle confidential information; and use a computer and related software.
• Ability to follow procedures, administer CPR and First Aid, implement safety procedures, and work effectively with others.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the population served.
• 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.

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/Spanish or English and another language present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-service training and implement approved classroom curricula.
• Work with the teacher to guide children’s daily activities, field trips, and use of classroom equipment and materials.
• Cooperate with staff and classroom groups to support the smooth operation of the center and adapt to children’s needs.
• Write weekly observations and assist with maintaining a comprehensive portfolio assessment for each child, including work samples and developmental assessments.
• Support parent conferences and home visits to discuss children’s progress, encourage parents’ observational skills, and solicit their observations.
• 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 techniques.
• Serve as a bus monitor when needed, including engaging children in developmentally appropriate activities during transportation.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment and conducting daily health and environment checks.
• Help the teacher support kindergarten readiness and quality staff-child interactions.
• Assist in recruiting, orienting, and guiding volunteers.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Assist the teacher with required reports and distribute information to families as instructed.
• Complete accurate and timely time sheets.
• Attend required staff training, workshops, meetings, parent activities, and other meetings as requested.
• Perform other duties as required by program needs.

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.
• $3,000 sign-on bonus.

What This Job Offers

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