Early Years Teaching Assistant

Os Preguiças - Educação E Apoio Pedagócio, Lda.; Viana do Castelo; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

International Schools Partnership (ISP) invites applications for a Preschool Teacher Assistant. The role supports the lead teacher in implementing the curriculum, supervising children, and fostering safe, nurturing learning environments.

You will prepare materials, assist with routines, and promote social and cognitive development among young learners. The position emphasizes safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusive practices, with opportunities to collaborate with a dedicated school team and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in preschool education or equivalent is required.
• TKT training course preferred to support instructional delivery.
• Prior experience with young children in educational or care settings is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead teacher with daily lesson plans, activities, and educational games.
• Supervise children during activities, meals, and outdoor play to ensure safety.
• Support behavior management and guide social-emotional development.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials and displays for hands-on learning.
• Maintain a clean, safe learning environment and sanitize toys and surfaces.
• Provide one-on-one or small-group support as needed.
• Observe and report developmental progress and concerns to the lead teacher.
• Assist with routines and transitions, promoting independence and consistency.
• Encourage inclusive, respectful interaction and collaborate with the team.

Skills

Patience

Strong communication

Teamwork

Observation skills

Creativity

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Preschool Education or equivalent

TKT Training Course

Experience with young children

Job description

Job Description ISP Preschool Teacher Assistant Role Profile Purpose of Role The Preschool Teacher Assistant supports the lead teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for young children. This role involves assisting with classroom management, preparing instructional materials, supervising children during activities, and promoting positive social, emotional, and cognitive development. The assistant helps ensure that each child's needs are met in alignment with the curriculum and the preschool's educational goals. ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately. Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well‑being of self and others. Operate effectively.

We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community. Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools. Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Classroom Instruction Assist the lead teacher in implementing daily lesson plans, learning activities, and educational games that align with the preschool curriculum. Supervise and Engage Children Monitor children during classroom activities, playtime, meals, and outdoor play to ensure safety and promote positive behavior.
• Assist with Behavior Management Reinforce classroom rules and help guide children in developing appropriate social and emotional skills. Prepare Learning Materials Help set up and organize classroom materials, resources, and displays to support hands‑on learning and creativity. Maintain a Safe and Clean Environment Ensure classroom spaces are clean, organized, and free from hazards;
  assist with sanitizing toys, surfaces, and equipment.
• Provide Individualized Support Offer one‑on‑one or small group assistance to children who need extra help with activities or emotional support. Observe and Report Observe children's development and behavior;
  communicate concerns ornotable progress to the lead teacher. Support Routines and Transitions Help children with daily routines such as arrivals, departures, toileting, meals, and rest time, fostering independence and consistency.
• Encourage Positive Interaction Model respectful, inclusive, and cooperative behavior to promote a positive classroom culture. Collaborate with Team Members Work closely with the lead teacher and other staff to ensure consistency in teaching practices and child care.

Skills

• Patience and empathy – Ability to respond calmly and kindly to young children
• Strong communication skills – With both children and adults (teachers, parents)
• Teamwork – Collaborative mindset and willingness to follow guidance
• Observation skills – Able to recognize developmental milestones or concerns
• Creativity and enthusiasm – Engaging children through play and learning
• Organizational skills – Managing materials, routines, and tasks efficiently
• Adaptability – Comfortable adjusting to changes in schedule or child needs
• Cultural sensitivity – Respectful and inclusive of all backgrounds and abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor ́s Degree Lic. Educación Preescolar or equivalent (required)
• TKT Training Course
• Prior experience working with young children in an educational or care setting (preferred)

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years' employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Thank you for your interest in a career at International Schools Partnership.

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