Preschool Assistant

The Williams School; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

14 paid leave days

Job summary

The Williams School in Norfolk seeks a warm, creative Preschool Assistant to support our year-round preschool program for ages 3–4. You will collaborate with teachers, lead the afternoon Extended Day program, and help children feel safe, engaged, and excited to learn through play and hands-on activities.

We value nurturing, inclusive environments, purposeful play, and strong teamwork. The role offers full-time hours, competitive benefits, and opportunities to grow with a dedicated early

Qualifications

• Experience with children ages 3–4 in educational settings.
• Ability to lead afternoon activities for young children.
• Commitment to child-centered learning and purposeful play.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Support preschool instructional program with hands-on learning and purposeful play.
• Collaborate with lead teachers to create a welcoming classroom for every child.
• Plan and facilitate the afternoon Extended Day program with engaging activities.
• Supervise children and staff during Extended Day, ensuring safety and participation.
• Encourage creativity, curiosity, communication, and problem-solving through arts, music, storytelling, movement, and imaginative play.
• Support social-emotional development through positive modeling and gentle guidance.

Skills

Caring

Patience

Enthusiastic

Communication

Leadership

Collaboration

Organization

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma

College degree preferred

Job description

At year-round The Williams Preschool, we believe that childhood is a time of wonder, exploration, and joyful learning. Our one-of-a-kind program blends art, music, and project- and problem-based learning to support the whole child—creatively, cognitively, emotionally, and socially.

We are a nurturing, inclusive community that honors children (ages 3–4) as capable, curious thinkers. Our educators serve as guides, collaborators, and co-learners, helping children make meaning of their world through hands-on experiences and deep engagement.

We are seeking a warm, creative, and dependable Preschool Assistant who enjoys working with young children and is passionate about creating a positive, engaging environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. This full-time, year-round position supports our Preschool instructional program during the school day and serves as the lead for our afternoon Extended Day program.

What You’ll Do

As a Preschool Assistant at The Williams Preschool, you will work collaboratively with our teaching team to create an environment where children feel seen, supported, and encouraged to explore. You will help nurture their natural curiosity, support their discoveries, and foster friendships that build confidence, empathy, and independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Preschool instructional program through hands-on learning experiences, purposeful play, and developmentally appropriate activities
• Collaborating with lead teachers to create a warm, welcoming classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and heard
• Taking the lead in planning and facilitating the afternoon Extended Day program, creating a welcoming and engaging environment for children through play, creative activities, and opportunities for connection
• Supervising children and staff during Extended Day and ensuring their safety, well-being, and positive participation throughout the afternoon
• Encouraging children’s creativity, curiosity, communication, and problem-solving through art, music, storytelling, movement, and imaginative play
• Supporting children’s social-emotional development through positive modeling, conversation, gentle guidance, and encouragement
• Helping children develop independence, cooperation, kindness, and respect for others
• Meeting children’s daily needs with care and attentiveness, including meals, rest, hygiene, transitions, and comfort
• Observing children’s interests, needs, and progress and communicating relevant information with the teaching team
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment that promotes exploration and independence
• Following all school safety, supervision, health, and sanitation procedures
• Building positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• Collaborating with fellow educators to support curriculum, classroom routines, and the overall goals of the Preschool
• Supporting the mission and values of The Williams School through professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to children’s academic, moral, and social growth

Requirements

We are looking for a caring, patient, and enthusiastic educator who believes in the power of purposeful play and brings warmth, creativity, and intention to working with young children. The ideal candidate has experience working with children ages 3–4, preferably in a school or early childhood education setting, and enjoys collaborating with teachers while also taking initiative and leadership in a group setting.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with young children, particularly ages 3–4, preferably in a preschool or school setting
• Have a high school diploma; a college degree is preferred
• Bring a warm, nurturing, and positive approach to supporting children’s learning and development
• Value child-centered learning, creativity, exploration, and purposeful play
• Demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Be comfortable taking the lead in planning and supervising afternoon activities for young children
• Demonstrate sound judgment, attentiveness, and a strong commitment to student safety and well-being
• Embrace the mission and values of The Williams School, modeling confidence, discipline, integrity, and a love of learning

Why Work at The Williams Preschool?

• A joyful, creative, and collaborative workplace
• A curriculum that honors children’s interests, voices, and ideas
• Small student-to-teacher ratios
• Collaborative teamwork among educators
• Opportunities for professional growth and ongoing learning
• A school culture rooted in honor, respect, community, and the power of play
• A full-time, year-round position with benefits and 14 days of paid leave

Position: Full-Time Preschool AssistantSchedule: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.Employment Term: Year-roundAnnual Salary: $30,000Benefits: Health benefits and 14 paid sick/personal reason leave days per year.