What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pre-K Assistant Teacher position at Plateau Early Learning Center?
PELC is a learning center, not a babysitting center. We are looking for individuals with a strong passion for learning to join our team!
Responsibilities
The Pre-K Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages 4–6. This role focuses on assisting with a kindergarten readiness curriculum that fosters academic skills, independence, social-emotional development, and problem-solving abilities. The Assistant Teacher helps prepare children for a successful transition into kindergarten by supporting learning activities, classroom routines, and positive behavior.
Duties
This description outlines the primary duties of the Pre-K Assistant Teacher (4–6 Years Old) but is not all-inclusive. Duties may be modified to meet the needs of the children, families, and program.
- Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing daily lessons that include early literacy, math, science, art, music, and social studies.
- Prepare and organize classroom materials for activities and projects.
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe learning environment.
- Support smooth daily transitions between activities, lessons, meals, and outdoor play.
- Reinforce academic skills such as letter recognition, phonics, number sense, shapes, patterns, and measurement.
- Encourage social skills like teamwork, empathy, conflict resolution, and following multi-step directions.
- Support independence in self-care routines, including toileting, dressing, and managing personal belongings.
- Participate in hands-on learning experiences, STEM activities, and group projects that promote problem-solving and creativity.
- Greet parents and guardians warmly at drop-off and pick-up.
- Provide brief, positive updates about children’s day, referring detailed questions to the Lead Teacher.
- Support the center’s goal of maintaining strong, professional relationships with families.
- Follow all health, hygiene, and safety procedures, including frequent handwashing and sanitizing materials.
- Monitor children closely to ensure safe and positive interactions.
- Report any concerns, injuries, or incidents to the Lead Teacher or Director immediately.
- Work as part of the classroom team to ensure effective management and engaging learning experiences.
- Attend staff meetings, training, and professional development as required.
- Be flexible and willing to assist in other classrooms if needed.
Qualifications
- MERIT Profile Registered
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Experience: A minimum of six months in childcare.
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- ECE Initial Certificate (12 ECE credits)
- → Must be completed by August 1st 2026 or within 5 years of hire.
- Associate degree or higher in ECE or related field
- → PELC requires their Assistant teacher to take a minimum of one class per quarter to complete their Associate Degree in ECE.
- Approved alternative qualifications
- Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid, Food Handler’s Permit, 30 Hours STARS* ,and state-required training (Safe Sleep, Mandated Reporter).
- Warm, caring personality with a passion for working with children.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and engage in floor-level activities.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
* Or education per DCYF that qualifies for 30-Hour STARS training exemption.
Work Schedule
- Full-time, Monday–Friday (hours to be determined).
- 8 hours shift
- Occasional evenings or weekends for events or training.
Benefits
- Professional development assistance
- Discount Childcare
- Retirement account
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off (1.5h per 40h worked)
- Paid holidays
- Paid lunch break
- Opportunity for financial education
