Afternoon Shift Teacher Assistant

CSUMC Preschool; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition Discount

Paid holidays and breaks

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

CSUMC Preschool in Knoxville, TN seeks a dedicated Teacher Assistant to support the preschool team with supervision of children and daily activities. The role emphasizes a nurturing, patient presence and collaboration with staff to ensure safety and well-being.

Hours are 2:00–6:00 pm, with a focus on light cleaning and closing procedures. Compensation ranges $15–$16 per hour, biweekly pay, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Responsive care: ability to quickly respond to physical and emotional needs with patience and compassion.
• Must have or be willing to obtain Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Background check must be successfully completed.

Responsibilities

• Plan & Supervise Activities: coordinate and lead daily structured activities with active supervision.
• Support Children's Needs: assist with personal hygiene and provide a caring presence.
• Ensure Safe Pickup: verify authorized adults and log departures via Brightwheel.
• Assist with Cleanliness & Closing: help with light cleaning and daily closing tasks.
• Maintain Positive Interaction: maintain a calm, friendly atmosphere with children and staff.
• Engage in Professional Development: participate in ongoing training to stay current with guidelines.
• Uphold Professional Standards: exhibit ethics and strong work habits in all interactions.

Skills

Patience

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teacher Assistant to support our preschool team in creating a nurturing and safe environment for children. The Teacher Assistant will play a key role in the direct supervision of children, assisting with classroom activities, and helping with daily closing procedures. The ideal candidate will be patient, reliable, and proactive, with a passion for working with young children. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential, as the Teacher Assistant will collaborate closely with other staff members to ensure each child's well-being, safety, and comfort.

Must have availability 2:00-6:00pm!

What You'll Do

• Plan & Supervise Activities: Coordinate and lead daily structured activities, ensuring active supervision of children both in the classroom and during playtime in the gym or on the playground.
• Support Children's Needs: Anticipate and address children's immediate needs, including assisting with personal hygiene and providing a supportive, caring presence.
• Ensure Safe Pickup: Follow protocols to ensure children are safely released only to authorized adults and accurately record each child’s departure via Brightwheel.
• Assist with Cleanliness & Closing: Contribute to light cleaning tasks and assist with daily closing procedures to maintain a clean and organized environment.
• Maintain Positive Interaction: Foster a positive, calm atmosphere by using a gentle and reassuring tone of voice at all times.
• Engage in Professional Development: Actively participate in required ongoing professional development to stay current with state regulations and preschool guidelines.
• Uphold Professional Standards: Exhibit ethical conduct, professionalism, and strong work habits when interacting with children, parents, and staff members.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience: Prior experience working with children is preferred but not required.
• Responsive Care: Ability to quickly respond to both the physical and emotional needs of children with patience and compassion.
• Certification: Must have or be willing to obtain Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Background Check: Successful completion of a full background check is required.
• Hourly Pay: $15-16 per hour, based on education and experience and paid biweekly.
• Work Schedule: Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Typical work hours for this position are 2:00-6:00.
• Professional Development: Access to paid professional development opportunities to support your growth and career advancement.
• Tuition Discount: Discounted tuition available for children of employees.
• Time Off: The preschool is closed on major holidays, as well as Fall and Spring Break, and a week at Christmas.

About Us

Located in downtown Knoxville, Church Street United Methodist Church Preschool has

been a distinguished childcare provider for more than 50 years. We are conveniently

situated within walking distance from the University of Tennessee and the World's Fair

Park.

CSUMC Preschool offers top quality early childhood education by providing

• low teacher-student ratios,
• a safe, secure, and loving environment, as well as
• developmentally appropriate curriculum (aligned with the TN-ELDS).

Our primary goal is to meet each child where they are in order to encourage social,

emotional, and cognitive growth while having fun learning through play!