Preschool Assistant Teacher

Summary

A Preschool Assistant Teacher at a church-owned preschool center supports the lead teacher in providing a nurturing, faith-centered learning environment for young children. The assistant teacher helps implement age-appropriate activities and lessons that promote social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual development. This role includes assisting with classroom management, helping supervise children, and offering support during structured activities such as art and circle time. The assistant teacher will also assist with maintaining a safe and clean classroom, ensuring that the children’s needs are met, and providing extra support to children who may need additional attention. The assistant teacher will collaborate with the lead teacher and other staff to foster a positive, Christian atmosphere and maintain open communication with parents to support each child’s growth.

Duties

1. Support the Lead Teacher: Assist in preparing and delivering age-appropriate curriculum and activities that promote developmental milestones in young children.
2. Supervise Children: Ensure children’s safety at all times, supervise outdoor play, and assist with group activities, including nap times and mealtimes.
3. Encourage Social and Emotional Development: Help children develop skills like sharing, cooperation, and communication in a faith-based setting, incorporating Christian values.
4. Assist with Classroom Management: Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment; assist in setting up learning stations or activity areas.
5. Implement Faith-Based Activities: Engage children in Bible stories, prayer time, and other spiritual practices appropriate for their age.
6. Provide Individual Support: Assist children who need additional help, whether it’s with learning activities, social interaction, or emotional regulation.
7. Communicate with Parents: Help provide updates to parents about their child’s progress, behavior, and well-being.
8. Observe and Document Child Development: Monitor each child’s progress and report any concerns or milestones to the lead teacher or center director.
9. Support Special Events: Participate in school events, including field trips, special religious celebrations, and parent-teacher meetings.
10. Assist in Clean-Up: Help with daily cleaning and organization of classroom materials and toys, ensuring the environment is hygienic and safe for the children.

These duties may vary depending on the specific needs of the preschool, but the core focus is always creating a loving, safe, and developmentally enriching environment.

Requirements

Education and Training:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field is often preferred.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) certification or equivalent is a plus, but not always required.
• Some centers may also require completion of basic first aid and CPR training.

Experience:

• Prior experience working with young children (ages 2-5) in a preschool, daycare, or similar educational setting is preferred.
• Experience in a church or faith-based setting is a plus, though not required.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with children, parents, and coworkers.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a lead teacher and other staff members.
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for working with young children.
• Ability to follow instructions and maintain a structured classroom environment.
• Flexibility and creativity in implementing age-appropriate educational activities.
• Basic knowledge of child development principles, especially in early childhood.

Christian Values:

• A strong understanding of Christian teachings and the ability to integrate them into the classroom environment, including teaching Bible stories, prayer, and other faith-based activities.
• Willingness to uphold and promote the church’s values and mission in day-to-day teaching.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry children (up to 40 pounds) and assist with physical activities such as outdoor play.
• Ability to sit on the floor or kneel to work closely with young children.

Nice To Haves

CDA or Associates in Early Childhood Education

Food Handlers Card

Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry ID

Benefits

Opportunity for Advancement

Supportive Culture

Opportunity for Higher Education Degree-Paid

Discounted Child Care

Life Insurance