Preschool Teaching Assistant

Kamehameha Schools; United States; On-site; USD 36,368 - 48,794; Full time

Job summary

Kamehameha Schools is looking for a full-time Preschool Teaching Assistant at Keaukaha Preschool, Hilo, Hawaii. You will play a crucial role in enhancing student learning by supporting the teacher within a Hawaiian culture-based education program.

Your responsibilities include classroom instruction support, supervision of students, and maintaining a nurturing environment. The ideal candidate should have an Associates Degree in ECE and a CDA Certification, with experience in early childhood education preferred.

Hourly compensation ranges from $26.40 to $35.42, based on experience and education.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in ECE or 9 ECE credits are preferred.
• Minimum of 6 months related work experience.
• Ability to implement early childhood behavior management strategies.

Responsibilities

• Support daily classroom instruction and maintain a safe environment.
• Assist in planning and preparing instructional materials.
• Build relationships with families and communicate student progress.

Skills

Classroom management

Early childhood education

Communication with families

Education

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education

Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification

Tools

Classroom technology

Job description

Job Posting Title: Preschool Teaching Assistant

Employee Type: Regular

Recruiting Start Date: 05-04-2026

Recruiting End Date: Open Until Filled

Overview

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 Keaukaha preschool site. This position is M-F 40/hrs a week. Early childhood education experience is 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 the 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 the 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

• Equivalency: an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the requirements listed.
• Associates Degree in ECE or 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, focusing on 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

This position requires working indoors and outdoors at the preschool multiple times throughout the day. The position may require traveling to various locations, including neighboring islands. Work is conducted in a classroom environment and may be conducted in non-standard workplaces. Work is typically conducted Monday through Friday at normal business hours.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly Compensation: $26.40 - $35.42. Salaries are commensurate with job-related experience, skills and competencies, education, internal equity, length of work year, and other organizational needs. Kamehameha Schools (KS) recognizes that compensation is just one facet of a fulfilling employment experience. KS is committed to 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.

Location

Primary Location: Keaukaha Preschool, Hilo, Hawaii.

Additional Locations: Kamehameha Schools offers a dynamic, innovative and collaborative work environment for growth‑minded individuals across Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina, including three K‑12 campuses, 29 preschools, and other regional and support offices.