Assistant Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Job summary:

An Assistant Preschool teacher helps the lead teacher manage the daily classroom environment and implement curriculum to support the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of young children. They provide extra supervision, help with educational activities, and assist with general classroom duties including diapering, feeding, changing and cleaning the classroom area.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Classroom support:

• Assist the lead teacher with creating and implementing lesson plans and age-appropriate learning activities.
• Help prepare and organize instructional materials, learning centers, and creative art displays.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce concepts and provide additional support.

Child supervision, care and development:

• Supervise children during all activities, both indoors and outdoors, including playtime, meals, and nap time.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children in the classroom.

· Perform essential childcare tasks, including diapering, feeding, changing, managing naps and cleaning the classroom area.

• Promote positive social interactions amongst children and model appropriate behavior.
• Observe and monitor children's progress, behavior, and developmental needs, reporting concerns to the lead teacher.

Classroom management:

• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Implement behavior management strategies as directed by the lead teacher.
• Assist with daily routines, including transitioning between activities, washing hands, and preparing for meals and rest.

Parent and staff communication:

• Communicate effectively with parents regarding their child's daily activities and progress, under the lead teacher's direction.
• Collaborate with the lead teacher and other staff to support each child's development.
• Assist in documenting attendance, developmental notes, and other records.

Skills and qualifications:

Education and experience:

• Required: High school diploma or GED.
• Preferred:
  • Associate degree.
  • Prior experience working with young children in a licensed childcare setting.
• Bonus Qualifications:
  • Professional training, such as college coursework in Early Childhood Education or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
  • Experience teaching using the Montessori methodology within a Montessori center.

Professional certifications:

• Valid certification in First Aid, CPR and AED is required.

· All candidates must successfully complete a criminal background check.

· All candidates must clear a Mantoux test for Tuberculosis and other contagious disease as required by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families Office of Licensing.

Key competencies:

• Patience and nurturing disposition: A love for working with young children and the ability to remain calm in a busy classroom is essential.
• Communication skills: Strong verbal and written skills are needed to interact with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Adaptability and flexibility: The ability to improvise and adapt to the children's needs is important.
• Teamwork: A collaborative and positive attitude for working with other educators.
• Organizational skills: Strong time management and attention to detail for managing tasks and record-keeping.