Preschool Teaching Assistant

Kamehameha Schools; Hawi (HI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Kamehameha Schools in Hawi, Hawaii, is seeking a full-time Preschool Teaching Assistant to support the Kohala Preschool and Hawaiian Culture-Based Education program. It ensures safety and appropriate teacher-to-student ratios while assisting with developmentally appropriate activities.

You will help prepare materials, observe progress, engage families, and step in as Teacher when needed. 40-hour work week, M-F, with opportunities for professional development and growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood instruction in classroom settings.
• Ability to plan and adapt developmentally appropriate activities.
• Experience documenting student progress and observations.
• Strong communication with families regarding progress.
• Willingness to participate in professional development.

Responsibilities

• Assists with daily classroom instruction with individual, small group, and large group support.
• Helps create and prepare instructional materials aligned with lesson plans.
• Maintains student records and communicates needs to teacher.
• Supports behavior management and safety protocols.
• Participates in substitute teaching when the Teacher is absent.

Skills

ECE knowledge

Behavior management

Teamwork

Family communication

Education

Associates Degree in ECE

2 years college with 60 credits in ECE

CDA Certification

Job description

Job Posting Title Preschool Teaching Assistant

Employee Type Regular Recruiting Start Date 08-12-2026 Job Exempt? No Recruiting End Date Open Until Filled Aloha mai! Mahalo for your interest in Kamehameha Schools. If you are looking for an opportunity to utilize your skills and talents and grow in your profession, while serving and strengthening our Native Hawaiian community, we would love to have you join our ʻohana! Kamehameha Schools is looking for a full-time teaching assistant to support our Kohala Preschool. This is a M-F 40/hr a week position. College credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE) are preferred.

Job Summary

The Teaching Assistant plays an integral role within the Preschool instructional team to enhance student learning by supporting the teacher in delivering a Hawaiian Culture-Based Education program that fosters Christian values. Ensures the safety and security of students while maintaining appropriate teacher-to-student ratios. Assists with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, providing direct instructional support through individual, small group, and large group interactions. Contributes to a positive learning environment, supports student assessments, and maintains communication with families to support each child's progress. Serves in the capacity of the Teacher in absence of the Teacher. Maintains required certifications to meet program needs.

Essential Responsibilities

Instructional Support

• Assists with daily classroom instruction by providing individual, small group, and large group support in line with lesson plans.
• Helps create and prepare instructional materials, contributing to the development of engaging learning resources tailored to students' needs.
• Supports the teacher in implementing lesson plans, ensuring effective delivery of content and student engagement.
• Facilitates group activities, encouraging cooperative learning and active participation.
• Observes students and documents behavior, progress, and development for teacher assessments.

Supervision

• Supervises student behavior independently and under the teacher’s direction, employing early childhood behavior management strategies aligned with school policies and procedures.
• Supervises students in various settings, such as during breaks or group activities, to ensure safety and appropriate behavior.

Program Support

• Assists in the preparation of classroom materials and maintaining classroom organization, including snack menu planning and supply management.
• Takes responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy classroom environment by regularly scanning for safety concerns, ensuring proper sanitation of all areas, and adhering to Kamehameha Schools’ and state licensing health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintains student records, including attendance and other necessary documentation, and communicates student needs to the teacher and other staff members.
• Actively participates in required professional development and training sessions, staying up-to-date with technology and educational practices relevant to early childhood education.

Family Engagement

• Builds strong relationships with students’ families by maintaining open communication regarding their child’s behavior, learning progress, and developmental milestones.
• Engages in crucial conversations with families, providing constructive feedback and discussing strategies to address behavioral or learning challenges.
• Participates in home visits with the teacher to build relationships with families and provide progress updates.

Substitute Teaching

• Assumes full responsibility for classroom management, lesson delivery, and student supervision in absence of the Teacher, ensuring the continuity of the learning environment.
• Develops and implements lesson plans, or follows teacher-prepared plans, to maintain a structured and engaging classroom experience.
• Implements child assessment plans to monitor and support student development, ensuring that assessments are conducted regularly and accurately.
• Provides appropriate interventions or feedback to support student progress.
• Actively participates in regional staff development, training sessions, and meetings to enhance professional growth and ensure alignment with program goals.

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the requirements listed.
• One of the following educational credentials:
  • Associates Degree in ECE
  • Associates Degree and 9 ECE credits
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification
  • 2 years of college (60 credits) with College Certificate of Recognition in Early Childhood (16 credits)
• Minimum of 6 months of related work experience.
• Current Community First Aid and Pediatric CPR Certification.
• Current Department of Health, Food Handler’s Certification.
• Ability to implement and support early childhood behavior management strategies that promote positive student behavior and classroom management.
• Patience and understanding of the developmental needs of young children, with a focus on creating a nurturing and safe environment.
• Experience in maintaining a structured, safe classroom environment while supervising students independently or under the teacher’s direction.
• Proficiency in using classroom technology and educational tools for lesson support and student assessments.
• Ability to build strong relationships with students and their families to foster a positive learning environment.
• Team player, able to collaborate effectively with teachers and other staff.
• Adaptability in meeting the diverse needs of students and implementing individualized support strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
• 2 years of experience in a classroom setting, ideally with preschool or early childhood students.
• Previous involvement in planning and implementing learning activities or assisting in instructional roles.
• Familiarity with culturally relevant curricula, especially Hawaiian culture-based education.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Frequently sits, stands, walks, bends, stoops, and performs desk-based tasks, including grasping, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 30 pounds. Engages in activities that require frequent twisting, squatting, kneeling, climbing, reaching above shoulder height, and performing fine manipulation tasks.

Working Conditions (including Environmental Conditions)

This position requires working indoors and outdoors at the preschool multiple times throughout the day. This position requires work at off-site locations (indoor and outdoor) for the entire school day. This position may involve traveling to various locations, including neighbor islands to conduct business. This position may require working at various locations within the region for which this position is posted. Work is conducted in a classroom environment and may require work to be conducted in non-standard workplaces. Work is typically conducted Monday through Friday at normal business hours.

For Internal Use Only: #LI-CAR Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [e-mail] or 808-534-8040 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Pay Range

Work Year 10 Pay Range 27.19 - 36.49

Hourly Compensation and Benefits Based on the compensation range provided below, salaries are commensurate with job-related experience, skills and competencies, education, internal equity, length of work year, and other organizational needs. At Kamehameha Schools (KS), we recognize that compensation is just one facet of a fulfilling employment experience. Our commitment lies in fostering a positive work environment and equipping employees with the necessary resources to excel every day. Our Total Rewards Program embodies KS's dedication to the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employee ʻohana. Explore our comprehensive Benefits Summary for more information.

Location

Primary Location
Kohala Preschool
City, State Hawi, Hawaii

Additional Locations
Kamehameha Schools offers a dynamic, innovative and collaborative work environment for growth-minded individuals who embrace culture and diversity. Deeply committed to shaping a thriving and vibrant future for Native Hawaiians, Kamehameha Schools aims at finding the right people for the right roles, who bring talent and passion to our mission. Our workforce is comprised of full- and part-time, on-call, and seasonal employees who work in various positions at locations across Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina (group of islands), including three K-12 campuses, 29 preschools, and other regional and support offices. Learn more at www.ksbe.edu/careers!