Preschool Teacher Assistant

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $15.63 - Midpoint: $18.75 (Hourly N2)

Department/Organization: 217602 - The Children's Program-Child Dev R

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:15am to 5:15pm

Job Summary: The Preschool Teacher Assistant provides a safe and nurturing environment for children ages two months to five years. Works closely with the preschool teacher in planning and managing a classroom of children. Assumes the lead role with the children when the preschool teacher is working with students, parents, administrators and/or faculty.

Additional Department Summary: Plays an integral part of the classroom teaching team and provides a safe and nurturing environment for children ages two months to five years. Helps to monitor and document activities for the practicum students as well as supervise the interns and substitute teachers. Is called upon to model developmentally appropriate practice for the students observing and participating in the classroom. Assumes full responsibility for the group of children and for the students participating in the classroom and supervises the substitute teachers in the absence of the lead teacher. Maintains and supports a safe and healthy learning environment for all children in their care. Encourages each child’s creativity and curiosity. Keeps the lead teacher informed about significant communications, events, or concerns involving the staff, lab students, or parents of children in the classroom. Communicates daily reports of the children‘s activities and/or behavior to the parents during pick-up at the end of the day.

Required Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of childcare experience; OR associate's degree or higher and some childcare experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Ability to model developmentally appropriate practice. Ability to relate to young children, ages two months to five years, and to promote their social-emotional development, physical development, cognitive development, and development of age-appropriate language and literacy skills. Ability to relate to parents and relate to students participating in the HDFS lab school setting.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.