ASSISTANT PRESCHOOL TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

Supporting a preschool classroom means holding two accountabilities at once: keeping children safe and moving their development forward. Assistant Preschool Teachers work within licensed early childhood centers that operate under state childcare licensing regulations and NAEYC accreditation standards, where documentation of each child's developmental progress is a non-negotiable professional obligation. This role sits directly alongside the Lead or Head Teacher, sharing daily responsibility for curriculum delivery, family communication, and the physical and emotional safety of children ages two through five. The work is hands-on, relational, and regulated.

As the Assistant Preschool Teacher, you support the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum while contributing to the observation, documentation, and assessment of each child's growth across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains. You operate within a collaborative classroom team, working under the direction of the Lead Teacher and alongside specialists, family liaisons, and center leadership to meet Head Start Performance Standards or equivalent state program requirements.

Career Impact: Experience in a licensed, NAEYC-accredited, or Head Start-regulated center is one of the most credentialed foundations in early childhood education, directly strengthening your pathway toward CDA completion or an ECE associate's or bachelor's degree.

Business Impact: The families and children you serve depend on this classroom to deliver consistent, safe, and stimulating care; your daily presence ensures that no child's developmental screening, meal count, or safety check goes unmet when coverage is needed.

Growth Opportunity: Assistant Teachers who build competency in developmental assessment, Reggio-inspired documentation, and family engagement are well-positioned to advance into Lead Teacher or Associate Teacher roles, adding scope and compensation with each credential milestone.

• Assist the Lead Teacher in developing and implementing weekly lesson plans aligned to state ECE curriculum frameworks and individual child developmental goals.
• Support observation, documentation, and ongoing developmental assessments for each child using approved screening tools and anecdotal records.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and organized classroom environment in compliance with state licensing, DPH health standards, and NAEYC program guidelines.
• Communicate with parents and guardians daily through progress updates, parent-teacher conferences, and home visit coordination as scheduled.
• Lead designated small-group or individual activities, including literacy, creative arts, and gross-motor exercises, as assigned during the Lead Teacher's preparation periods.
• Assume full classroom responsibility in the Lead Teacher's absence, applying established curriculum plans and behavior guidance protocols.
• Complete required program documentation within mandated timelines, including daily health checks, USDA meal counts, attendance records, and incident reports.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and accreditation-related activities to maintain center compliance and personal certification requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of experience working with children in a licensed early childhood or preschool setting, with demonstrated knowledge of child development principles.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or active enrollment in a CDA program to be completed within two years of hire.
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain before working independently with children.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and familiarity with NAEYC standards or Head Start Performance Standards.
• Ability to observe, document, and communicate children's developmental progress accurately and within mandated timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to build respectful, professional relationships with children, families, and colleagues across culturally and economically diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including lifting to 40 lbs and sustained periods of standing, bending, and active engagement with children.

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field, beyond the minimum CDA credential.
• Familiarity with a specific curriculum framework such as the Reggio Emilia approach, HighScope, or Creative Curriculum, with experience applying it in a classroom setting.
• Experience supporting children with identified special education needs or coordinating with early intervention specialists.
• Bilingual communication ability in a language reflective of the center's enrolled families, supporting parent engagement and daily family communication.

• Developmental screening completion rate, measuring the percentage of enrolled children assessed within mandated 45-day windows.
• Documentation timeliness, tracked by percentage of daily health checks, meal counts, and attendance records submitted without overdue flags.
• Parent communication touchpoints per month, reflecting consistent family engagement through daily contact, conferences, and home visits.
• Classroom licensing compliance score, based on health, safety, and ratio adherence during state and NAEYC monitoring visits.
• Lead Teacher coverage continuity, measured by successful independent classroom management during all assigned prep and absence coverage periods.
• Typical tools: Student assessment platforms (commonly Teaching Strategies GOLD or Brightwheel); documentation and communication tools (commonly Shutterfly class sites or agency email systems).

• Base Salary Range: $30,000 – $40,000 per year, varying by region and center type
• Bonus: Modest merit or retention bonuses offered at some centers; not universal
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level in early childhood settings
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; varies by center size and nonprofit status
• PTO: 10 to 15 days per year; may include program-year calendar closures
• Common Perks: Paid professional development and CDA coursework support; childcare tuition discounts at employing center

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check clearance, including criminal history and Department of Children and Families screening as required by state early childhood licensing, is a condition of employment. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the application and employment process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Assistant Preschool Teacher delivers play-based, constructivist curriculum aligned with Early Childhood foundations and state frameworks, supporting children's physical, cognitive, motor, social, and emotional development. Working within a diverse, multicultural program, this role maintains active communication with parents, guardians, and staff to sustain a safe and collaborative learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a play-based, constructivist curriculum aligned with Early Childhood foundations and state frameworks.
• Study children's classroom learning regularly with colleagues.
• Support, supervise, and ensure the safety and well-being of children in the program.
• Organize and lead activities designed to promote children's physical, cognitive, motor, social, and emotional development.
• Maintain active and open communication with parents and guardians, as well as with other staff and faculty.
• Promote and sustain effective working relationships within a diverse, multicultural environment.

Required Qualifications

• Pediatric CPR and first aid training.
• Two or more years of recent, successful ECE classroom teaching experience.
• 12 units of qualifying Early Childhood Education coursework.
• Tuberculosis clearance and a satisfactory health screening report.
• Ability to promote and sustain effective working relationships within a diverse, multicultural environment.

Embedded within the preschool education team, the Assistant Preschool Teacher shapes a creative program suited to the developmental needs of preschool-aged children, employing storytelling, educational play, and media to build social competencies and self-esteem. Working closely with other educators and parents, this role ensures classroom health and safety standards are met while tracking and communicating each child's developmental progress.

Core Functions

• Develop a creative program suited to the needs of preschool-aged children.
• Employ a variety of educational techniques, including storytelling, educational play, and media, to teach children.
• Observe each child to help improve social competencies and build self-esteem.
• Encourage children to interact with each other and resolve occasional conflicts.
• Guide children to develop artistic and practical capabilities through a structured curriculum covering shapes, numbers, colors, and crafts.
• Organize nap and snack hours and supervise children to ensure their safety at all times.
• Track children's progress and report findings to parents.
• Communicate with parents regularly to understand each child's background and development.
• Collaborate with other educators.
• Maintain a clean and tidy classroom consistent with health and safety standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Certification in child CPR, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Proven experience as a preschool teacher preferred.
• Excellent understanding of child development principles and preschool educational methods.
• Familiarity with safety and sanitation guidelines for classrooms.
• Excellent communication and instructional skills.
• Ability to act as a mediator between children.
• Calm-tempered, friendly, and reliable.
• Ability to balance creative thinking with practical judgment.

Reporting to program leadership, the Assistant Preschool Teacher leads daily care routines for children aged 15 months to 5 years, supporting skill development through reading, singing, art, and self-care activities in both indoor and outdoor classrooms. Partnering with center staff and following state licensing standards, this role contributes to a safe, inviting learning environment that fosters creativity, self-confidence, and peer cooperation.

Primary Duties

• Carry out daily care routines for children aged 15 months to 5 years.
• Assist in maintaining safe and inviting spaces that inspire creativity, self-confidence, and cooperation among peers.
• Follow state licensing standards and program policies.
• Support child skill development through individual and small-group activities, including reading, singing, art, and self-care.
• Support the daily flow of indoor and outdoor classrooms.
• Assist with daily cleaning routines and food preparation.
• Participate in training and continued education as necessary to maintain and grow in the role.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, with at least 18 years of age.
• 3 college credits in education or a related field, or willingness to obtain.
• CPR and first aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
• 1 year of experience working with children from birth through grade 3.
• Willingness to complete annual professional development with the support of center resources.

Sitting at the intersection of early childhood education and federally regulated program compliance, the Assistant Preschool Teacher assists the Lead Preschool Teacher in implementing curriculum planning, administering educational screenings, and completing required documentation, including daily assessments and parent-teacher conferences. Operating across a team that includes Floaters, Volunteers, School Readiness Liaisons, Early Learning Mentor Coaches, and ECE Specialists, this role builds school readiness outcomes and sustains positive communication between children, adults, and families.

Duties

• Assist the Lead Preschool Teacher in implementing appropriate curriculum planning for the preschool classroom.
• Assist in formulating lesson plans for classroom activities and home learning tasks.
• Contribute to the evaluation of children's progress in the classroom.
• Model appropriate instructional techniques for substitutes, floaters, and volunteers.
• Analyze children's and classroom outcome reports and implement school readiness goals for the classroom.
• Assist in completing required documentation, including daily assessment forms, meal guides, health checks, home visits, and parent and teacher conferences, within set timelines.
• Assist in the daily completion of USDA meal counts and the safe release of children.
• Follow all state and federal regulations regarding instruction practices, fire, health, and safety standards, including hand washing, laundry, and housekeeping practices.
• Enhance physical and intellectual competence in children by promoting physical, cognitive, language, and creative skills, including for children who require special services.
• Attend teacher meetings as scheduled to facilitate mentoring of classroom staff in ECE.
• Reinforce positive communication, respect, and interaction between children and adults.
• Communicate with and actively involve parents in all aspects of center activities through home visits, parent-teacher conferences, open house events, and brainstorming sessions.
• Administer educational screenings and identify and refer children with a potential high risk of health, disability, or behavioral concerns.

Requirements

• AA or Associate's degree in ECE with 30 ECE-related college credits.
• Current Preschool Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA), or an equivalent preschool certificate.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices.
• Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment.
• Experience in policy and procedure processes and in planning and facilitating groups.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Experience in classroom risk management and an understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines, and gather and analyze data for reports.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse population and maintain a strong customer service focus.
• Proficiency with personal computers, including Microsoft Office, and accurate data, documentation, and recordkeeping skills.

A key member of the Early Explorers Preschool education team, the Assistant Preschool Teacher owns the delivery of hands-on science activities, stories, songs, and curriculum for children aged 3 to 5 in a zoo setting. Collaborating across the education team and with parents and guardians, this role ensures the safety, well-being, and engagement of student groups while maintaining classroom materials and responding to health and welfare concerns.

Functions

• Coordinate with the Early Childhood Educators to ensure effective execution of program curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner for children aged 3 to 5.
• Develop and facilitate curriculum activities for 3- to 5-year-olds, including hands-on science activities, stories, songs, games, tours, and crafts.
• Explain animal and environmental science concepts accurately to students.
• Improvise pre-approved activities as needed to keep students engaged and focused.
• Supervise students during rest time.
• Inventory and maintain curriculum equipment and supplies.
• Sanitize, clean, and organize toys, materials, classrooms, and restrooms each day.
• Set up classroom activities in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
• Respond to health, welfare, and safety issues of students.
• Sign students in and out according to established security procedures and respond to parent questions.
• Interact professionally with parents, guardians, visitors, volunteers, and other staff.
• Distribute supplies to students, including name tags and materials.
• Work as part of the education team to continually improve the program experience.

Experience & Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of Early Childhood Education.
• Ability to organize and implement daily activities and lead them in an age-appropriate manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to relate sensitively to young children and their parents and guardians.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, colleagues, volunteers, and guests.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Awareness of, and sensitivity and empathy toward, animals.
• Ability to exercise safe work habits.

A high-quality early childhood experience depends on the Assistant Preschool Teacher, who builds a safe, nurturing environment where children can play and learn while partnering with parents and center staff to support enrollment, accreditation, and engagement goals. Based within a licensed childcare center, this role cultivates positive relationships with families, teachers, licensing authorities, community contacts, and corporate partners to sustain center success.

Accountabilities

• Assist teachers with the implementation of curriculum in a way that is consistent with the unique needs of each child.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment where children can play and learn.
• Partner with parents to provide the best care and education for their children.
• Support center success by partnering with center staff and leadership to achieve goals around enrollment, accreditation, and engagement.
• Cultivate positive relationships with families, teachers, licensing authorities, community contacts, and corporate partners.

Position Requirements

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential preferred.
• Ability to build relationships with families and coworkers and create a dynamic environment where play and discovery are integrated.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• CPR and first aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Must meet state-specific guidelines for the role.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 40 pounds, work indoors and outdoors, assume low postures for physical and visual contact with children, and engage in physical activity with children.
• Ability to speak, read, and write in English.

As the Assistant Preschool Teacher, this role supports the Lead Teacher in creating a child-centered and stimulating classroom environment, observing and documenting student development, and facilitating daily transitions across a full-time assignment. The preschool team relies on this work to ensure children are supervised at all times, that progress reports are informed by direct observation, and that learning through curiosity, experience, and play is consistently modeled.

Activities

• Assist the Lead Teacher in creating a child-centered and stimulating classroom environment.
• Observe and document students' development on a regular basis.
• Provide input to the Lead Teacher in the preparation of students' progress reports.
• Assist the homeroom teacher in facilitating the class's daily transitions.
• Interact with children at their level in a manner that promotes learning through curiosity, experience, and play.
• Supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure their safety.
• Take charge of the assigned class in the absence of the Lead Teacher.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Early Childhood Education, Family Life and Childhood Development, or a related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Animated disposition with a genuine enthusiasm for interacting with young children.
• Patient and calm with young children.
• Enthusiasm for storytelling, arts and crafts, singing, dancing, and children's games.

Assistant Preschool Teacher delivers curriculum grounded in child-directed learning philosophies, guiding positive behavior and helping create a clean, hygienic, and safe learning environment. The work directly supports open communication among children, families, and staff while contributing to the observation and recording of children's growth and development.

Operational Focus

• Engage with children and interact at their level.
• Help with the delivery of curriculum founded on the center's philosophies.
• Help create a positive learning environment with resources based on child-directed learning.
• Develop strategies to guide positive behavior in children.
• Build open communication with children, families, and staff.
• Help observe and record children's growth and development.
• Ensure the learning environment is clean, hygienic, and safe.

Professional Experience

• Childcare license and CPR.
• First aid certification preferred, or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills.
• Sound written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers at a basic level.

The Assistant Preschool Teacher advances student growth by delivering small-group and individualized instruction across multiple preschool classrooms, supporting Lead and Associate Teachers in developing and implementing comprehensive, integrated units throughout the school day. Reporting to the School Leader and collaborating with parent coaches, external health practitioners, and classroom teams, this role provides continuity of learning and helps design the school model through curriculum development and professional development participation.

Key Deliverables

• Build relationships and actively engage with all students across classrooms.
• Provide weekly instructional planning support as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Deliver instruction in small-group and individualized formats as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Support regular assessment and analysis of student data to tailor responsive instruction and support.
• Collaborate with classroom teams to practice skills and problem-solve jointly.
• Maintain regular communication with and outreach to families.
• Collaborate proactively with parent coaches, staff, and external health practitioners and partners.
• Participate actively in the ongoing design and implementation of the school model through research, curriculum development, and professional development.

Education & Experience

• High school degree or GED equivalent, with active pursuit of a college degree.
• Minimum of 6 ECE units.
• Experience working with students in a school or similarly structured environment, such as an after-school program, summer camp, childcare program, or tutoring setting.
• Parent- and family-centered mindset with recognition of the multidimensional needs of children and families.
• Ability to learn new systems quickly and comfort with technology.
• Willingness to engage confidently and respectfully across diverse communities.
• Kind, humble, and collaborative working style.

Embedded within a licensed childcare facility, the Assistant Preschool Teacher develops children's safety and well-being by leading classroom activities, mentoring new staff, and maintaining accreditation and state childcare standards. Working closely with co-teachers, parents, and the broader teaching team, this role oversees daily communication with families and sustains NAEYC accreditation processes and developmentally appropriate practice across the program.

Areas of Ownership

• Communicate with co-teachers and other staff members on a daily basis.
• Mentor and train new staff as needed.
• Collaborate with other staff members to plan activities.
• Lead by example in the classroom and school.
• Ensure children's safety and well-being at all times.
• Participate in ongoing professional development.
• Serve as an active and engaged member of the teaching team.
• Communicate with parents daily regarding each child's progress and development.
• Maintain accreditation and state childcare standards.

Background & Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• College-level coursework, Associate's degree, or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential preferred.
• 1 year of experience working in a licensed childcare facility.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP).
• Familiarity with NAEYC standards and the accreditation process.
• Familiarity with continuity of care practices.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain professional composure in stressful situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.