Preschool Assistant Teacher

Job Title: Teacher Assitant
Location: REAL Community Covenant Church - Marion, IN
Job Type: Full Time (30-40 Hrs.) / Employee

The I Have a Dream Preschool Academy is a Christ-centered, multicultural and multiclass early childhood education program serving children ages 1-5, whose mission is to cultivate a love for self, a love for God, and a love for one’s neighbor within the hearts of children. I Have a Dream Preschool Academy seeks to fulfill its mission by creating a learning community that champions Christian character, academic rigor, and global citizenry. By placing children from diverse contexts in the same space, engaging in language immersion in Spanish, and exposing children to Christian education, our program lays the foundation for children to become culturally competent leaders who can thrive in a global world both relationally and intellectually.

We are seeking qualified candidates who are passionate about meeting the educational needs of all young children, regardless of their racial-ethnic or socioeconomic background. The ideal candidate will have a love for kids, be relational, hard-working, committed to seeing our children, staff, families, and organization flourish.

Job Requirements:

• Shares our core values-- Education, Reconciliation, Family, Diversity, and Community Engagement
• Be passionate about providing high quality early learning experiences for children
• Preferred Educational Requirements- Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and experience in an early childhood program
• Possess strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to communicate with speakers of other languages directly or through the use of translation devices
• Possess strong leadership skills – including strong organization, planning, and prioritizing, and strong conflict management skills
• Physical Demands. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods as well as move effectively between rooms. Able to lift, move or hold children, when necessary, with a range of weight from 10-50 pounds. Demonstrate a full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit or otherwise fully participate in activities
• Develop sense of ownership and willingness to do whatever it takes, big or small, whenever needed, for the well-being of the school

Job Tasks:

• Aids lead teacher in planning and preparing classroom for daily activities
• Cleans up classroom at day end
• Creates a fun and loving environment for children on a daily basis
• Communicates progress and daily activities with parents and members of leadership
• Stays current on all certifications and trainings
• Oversee the safety of the classroom, including outside play alongside Lead Teacher
• Invests and builds relationships with parents and students
• Be kind, courteous, open, and respectful towards the parent knowing they are leaving the care of their child with us
• Open communication with Lead Teacher and Managing Director with any concerns of students and families
• Watch for incidents (eyes towards children), document what you see
• Participate in continued training. 20 plus hours a year. CDA may be needed
• Participate in CPR training
• Attend field trips and professional development days throughout the year
• Check students in and out of Brightwheel App
• Keep classroom neat, organized and sanitized
• Be engaged and create creative lesson plans for our students
• Plan daily walks every morning and afternoon or outdoor play time 2x a day with students (follow outside guidelines and check with Director)
• Help oversee breakfast, lunch and snack
• Follow state mandated ratio and group sizes at all times.
• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Be familiar of Staff handbook, Student and Family Handbook
• Follow and abide by staff handbook
• Help manage student behaviors when and if needed
• Help plan lessons and be involved with ideas to benefit the children’s learning experience
• Communicate with your Lead Teacher. Be clear and open. Work together to build the best program we can offer
• Be supportive to others, step in when and where needed
• Develop a sense of ownership and willingness to do whatever it takes, big or small, whenever, for the well-being of the school
• Follow and implement curriculum according to specific developmental stages and needs
• Immediate Supervisor:
• I Have A Dream Preschool Academy Director
• Probationary Period
• : It is understood that the first 60 days of employment constitute a probationary period. During this time, the Employer also exercises the right to terminate employment at any time without advance notice.
• Orientation
• : Employees will participate in up to 30 hours of orientation and or launch events before the official opening of the I Have a Dream Preschool Academy. Employees will be compensated for orientation time.

Official Start Date:

The start date for this position is subject to change. Additionally, this contract is through the 2026-2027 School year.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $11.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $11