About St. Paul's Episcopal Preschool

St. Paul's Episcopal Preschool (SPEP), located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, is a ministry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church serving children 18 months through age 5. Through a developmentally appropriate play-based and literacy-rich curriculum, SPEP seeks to promote a child's full potential - emotionally, socially, academically, physically, and spiritually.

This 4 hours per day Teaching Assistant position (8:30 - 12:30, late August through early-June), works in partnership with and assists the Lead Teacher in the daily operation of the classroom (current opening is in Toddlers and 3 year-old classroom). In addition to work in the classroom, all instructional assistants attend in-service days, faculty/staff meetings, appropriate training sessions, and participate in several all-school events.

Responsibilities and Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Working directly under the Lead Teacher; working with students, instructional work with individuals, small groups and whole class; performing a variety of other needed support, clerical and administrative tasks; creating materials, and other duties as needed
• Engaging children in age appropriate activities and play that stimulates their development
• Creating and maintaining an environment that is clean, organized, and safe for all children
• Appropriately supervising children while keeping them safe at all times; responding to their emotional, social, and physical needs as well as their educational needs
• Assisting children with activities of daily life (e.g., diapering/toileting, dressing) and being one of the primary caregivers for children in the classroom
• Communicating with the Lead Teacher regarding all aspects of the children's care as well as classroom management
• Being warm and nurturing and a positive role model for all children
• Providing professional and excellent customer service according to the standards of St. Paul's Episcopal Preschool

• Be at least 18 years of age 
• Have a high school degree or equivalent education 
• Have at least 1 year of experience working with children and/or a certificate in early childhood education
• Submit to various background checks including those completed through the VA Department of Education
• Be CPR, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen certified or obtain certification upon hire (paid for by SPEP)
• Provide a Physician's Statement for a health screening as required by the Code of Virginia, Section 63.2-1716 
• Be mentally and physically capable of caring for a small group of children in a classroom. Be able to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry children up to 30lbs
• Possess a strong work ethic, be punctual, and have minimal absences
• Have dependable transportation