Preschool Teaching Assistant

Kamehameha Schools; Wailuku (HI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Kamehameha Schools is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant for the Preschool instructional team. This role involves enhancing student learning through support in delivering a Hawaiian Culture-Based Education program that promotes Christian values. Responsibilities include instructional support, supervision, program support, and family engagement.

Ideal candidates will have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent experience, along with CPR and First Aid certifications. The position requires a team player who can maintain a structured classroom and communicate effectively with families.

Qualifications

• One of the following: Associates Degree in ECE, Associates Degree and 9 ECE credits, CDA Certification, 2 years of college with a Certificate of Recognition in Early Childhood, or 6 months of related experience.
• Current Community First Aid, Pediatric CPR, Department of Health Food Handler’s Certification.
• Proficiency with technology and understanding of developmental needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily classroom instruction and document student behavior.
• Independently supervise student behavior and ensure safety.
• Maintain classroom organization and participate in professional development.
• Communicate with families about behavior and learning progress.
• Manage classroom in teacher’s absence and deliver lessons.

Skills

Behavior management

Communication with families

Instructional support

Team player

Education

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education

Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education

Job description

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. The TA ensures the safety and security of students while maintaining appropriate teacher‑to‑student ratios, assists with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, provides 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. The TA also serves in the capacity of the teacher in the teacher’s absence and maintains required certifications to meet program needs.

Essential Responsibilities

• Instructional Support – Assist with daily classroom instruction in line with lesson plans, prepare instructional materials, facilitate group activities, observe students, and document behavior and progress for assessments.
• Supervision – Independently supervise student behavior, employ behavior‑management strategies, and ensure safety during all classroom settings.
• Program Support – Maintain classroom organization, prepare snack menus, manage supplies, maintain a safe and healthy environment, keep student records, and participate in professional development.
• Family Engagement – Build relationships with families, communicate about behavior and learning progress, provide constructive feedback, and participate in home visits.
• Substitute Teaching – Manage classroom, deliver lessons, implement assessment plans, provide interventions, and participate in staff development.

Position Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications – One of the following: Associates Degree in ECE; Associates Degree and 9 ECE credits; Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification; 2 years of college with a Certificate of Recognition in Early Childhood; or minimum 6 months of related work experience. Current Community First Aid, Pediatric CPR, Department of Health Food Handler’s Certification. Ability to implement behavior management, patience, understanding of developmental needs, structured classroom maintenance, proficiency with technology, strong relationships with families, team player, adaptability.
• Preferred Qualifications – Valid driver’s license; Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education; 2 years of classroom experience; experience in planning and implementing learning activities; 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

Works indoors and outdoors at the preschool, may travel to neighbor islands or other regional locations, and typically works Monday through Friday during normal business hours.