Pre-K Teacher Assistant (2025-2026)

POSITION PURPOSE:  

The Pre-K Teacher Assistant performs a wide range and variety of technical and clerical tasks in assisting the teacher. These duties include tasks that support the efforts of the teacher in meeting the needs of all students. Examples of duties of a Pre-K Teacher Assistant may include but are not limited to, providing assistance to the teacher with quality instruction for all students, providing one on-one assistance in regards to classroom management, leading small group activities, assisting exception children students in the Pre-K classroom, and assisting the teacher with general housekeeping and clerical duties as needed.  All duties listed under “Essential Duties” are at the request of, or under the direction of, the teacher to whom the Pre-K Teacher Assistant is assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:   

• High School Diploma or GED
• 10A NCAC 09 .3013 NC PRE-K TEACHER ASSISTANT EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS:
• (a) All teacher assistants shall have a high school diploma or its equivalent and shall either:
• (1) hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; or
• (2) hold or be working toward an Associate Degree or higher in birth-through-kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or an early childhood education related field. Teacher assistants working toward the Associate Degree shall make progress by completing a minimum of six semester hours per year.
• (b) All teacher assistants shall complete a minimum of 15 hours of annual in-service professional development. A combination of college coursework, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or clock hours may be used to complete the requirements of this Rule.
• (c) The site-level administrator shall document the progress of any teacher assistants who are working toward the required education. This documentation must be maintained in the individual's staff record available for review by the Division.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of effective methods of dealing with children.
• Working knowledge of the core subjects at the grade level or chronically age to which employment assignment is given.
• General knowledge of the school organization and community.
• General knowledge of expected behavior of children based on their chronological age.
• Ability to comprehend the purpose of teacher designed strategies as a fulfillment of the instructional objectives.
• Ability to discern significant student behaviors and refer this to the supervisor.
• Ability to impart information to the child’s level of comprehension.
• Ability to apply impartially and consistently proper methods of recognition, reward, and punishment.
• Ability to solve independently most minor problems.
• Ability to follow minimally detailed written and oral instructions without constant supervision.
• Ability to record and store data accurately.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood or Credentials I and II
• 6 hours of college or university credit in Early Childhood or two years of supervised experience in a licensed child care facility.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) to five (5) years serving as a classroom Pre-K Teacher Assistant in a licensed childcare facility.
• Training in assisting students with special needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the teacher with planning, organizing, and implementing duties and activities related to instruction.
• Cooperates in developing procedures for the classroom.
• Assists the teacher in the preparation of instructional materials.
• Maintains awareness of goals and objectives of the supervising teacher.
• Maintains specified classroom files, records, and money collection in accordance with applicable rules, laws, and regulations.
• Performs clerical duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates a knowledge and technical skill of operating and using equipment such as computer, Smart Board, copier, etc.
• Exhibits positive behavior toward children, parents, staff, and administrators.
• Works to communicate the needs of the school and children to parents and the community in a positive manner.
• Is involved and works to facilitate accomplishments of the total school program.
• Assists students with understanding, interpreting, adhering to laws, rules, and regulations.
• Carries out supervisory duties in a prompt and responsible manner to ensure a safe and healthful environment.
• Shares the responsibility for classroom and school cleanliness and neatness.
• Obtains in-service and yearly training requirements.
• Has a working knowledge of North Carolina Child Care rules and regulations.
• Attends Professional Development Training.
• Other duties as assigned by the teacher and other supervisory staff.