Preschool Assistant Teacher

Academy of Arts & Knowledge; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Academy of Arts & Knowledge is seeking an Assistant Preschool Teacher to support the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing environment for young learners. You will help implement developmentally appropriate activities, assist with small groups, and ensure strong behavior guidance while fostering curiosity and learning.

The role emphasizes collaboration with the Lead Teacher, parents, and staff, with a focus on safety, observation reporting, and inclusive support for multilingual and

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid or willingness to obtain.
• Experience working with young children in an educational setting.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate activities and early childhood education standards.
• Ability to observe and document child development.
• Strong communication and collaboration with Lead Teacher and parents.

Responsibilities

• Support the teacher with implementing age-appropriate lesson plans.
• Direct supervision of children in classroom and outdoor settings at all times.
• Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance.
• Assist lead teacher in small group preparation and art projects.
• Interact with children to foster self-esteem and social skills.
• Foster play-based, hands-on learning and literacy/math integration.
• Take daily observations and submit them to the lead teacher promptly.
• Assist in covering Lead Teacher when absent.
• Count children during transitions to ensure safety.

Skills

Strong communication

Patience

Problem-solving

TS Gold knowledge

Education

Minimum age 18

Colorado teaching license or ECE license

ECE coursework or degree (ECE 101 / ECE 103)

B.A./A.A. in related field with ECE credits

Job description

Job Summary:

The Assistant Preschool Teacher is responsible for supporting the teacher to create a safe, nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children. Responsibilities include assisting with implementing developmentally appropriate activities aligning with early childhood education standards, classroom management, providing individual attention to students and fostering their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Support the teacher by preparing materials and assist in implementing developmentally appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. This position works with typically developing children, children acquiring more than one language and children with disabilities. Assistance is given to the Lead Teacher in carrying out the goals, policies and procedures and most importantly safety of all children. This position requires proficiency in the upkeep of observations that are given to the Lead Teacher in a timely manner to be entered into our online assessment system-Teaching Strategies Gold. This position reports directly to the Program Director as well as following all guidelines and tasks from the Lead Teacher.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the teacher with implementing age-appropriate lesson plans that align with early childhood education standards.
• Direct supervision of the children in the classroom setting and outdoors is required at ALL times. Supervision of children is the main priority.
• Supports social and emotional development and provides positive guidance and discipline.
• Assist lead teacher in preparation for small groups.
• Assist lead teacher in preparation for art projects and learning experiences.
• Interact appropriately with children to provide opportunities to develop self-esteem and social competence.
• Encourage self-expression, social-emotional growth, and foster their excitement to learn.
• Always ensure safety and well-being of the children, this includes physical well-being, social well-being and emotional well-being.
• Foster a play-based and hands-on learning environment that encourages exploration.
• Foster the integration of literacy, math, cognitive, science, art, and motor skills development into daily activities.
• Foster the use of storytelling, music, games, and other interactive methods to engage children.
• Daily observations of the children will be taken and any photos/observations are to be submitted to the lead teacher in a timely manner.
• Assumes the responsibility of the Lead Teacher when the Lead Teacher is absent.
• Counts children at every transition period to ensure all children are accounted for.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Maintain open communication with parents/guardians regarding child development and progress.
• Work collaboratively with the lead teacher, support staff, and administration.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities.
• Interact positively with parents and families. When a family or parent expresses a concern or asks a question regarding their child's learning, growth or development, refer the parent to get in contact with the lead teacher and always alert the lead teacher so they know to reach out to the family.

Health & Safety:

• Ensure a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment.
• Follow health and safety protocols, including hygiene and emergency procedures.
• Supervise children at all times, including outdoor play and transitions.
• If you are not lead qualified or do not have the courses to be assistant qualified, you will NEVER be alone with children.
• Assist with sanitizing all toys and play areas when needed.

Qualifications:

• Minimum requirement is 18 years of age
• Must meet one of the following options:
  • Completed one early childhood education course (ECE 101 or ECE 103) with a course grade of "C" or better and currently enrolled/attending in a second ECE course and (12) months of (1,820 hours) of verified work experience in the care and supervision of four or more children less than 6 years of age who are not related to the individual.
  • Completed two early childhood education courses, one course must be (ECE 101 or ECE 103) with a grade of "C" or better with 6 months (910 hours) of verified experience.
  • Obtained a B.A. or A.A. in a field unrelated (listed below) to early childhood education requires 6 ECE credit hours with one of the courses either ECE 101 or ECE 103.
  • B.A. or A.A. in a field related to early childhood education does not require any additional coursework or hours of experience. 1. Child Development; 2. Child Psychology; 3. Early Childhood Education; 4. Early Childhood Special Education; 5. Educational Leadership and Administration; 6. Elementary Education; 7. Family and Human Development; 8. Family Studies; or,9. Special Education, from an accredited college or university.
  • A current Teaching License issued by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) with an endorsement in the area of Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education Specialist or Elementary Education.
  • Eighteen (18) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education. One (1) of the courses must be either ECE 101 or ECE 103.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience working with young children in an educational setting.
• Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills & Traits:

• Passion for early childhood education.
• Experience with special education.
• Ability to help implement engaging and interactive lesson plans.
• Knowledge of child development best practices.
• Team-oriented and adaptable.
• Knowledge in TS Gold

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This is a year round position.

Mental Functions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use interpersonal skills. Frequently required to compare, analyze, communicate, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate and negotiate. Occasionally required to copy and compile.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance