Job Overview
The Preschool Assistant Teacher provides essential classroom support to the Lead Teacher and Associate Teacher, helping deliver the daily care, safety, and cleanliness that a preschool classroom depends on. This is an entry point into the teaching profession at Open Minds Early School: the role follows the routines and activities set by the Lead and Associate Teacher rather than planning them.
Responsibilities
- Assists in preparing and setting up daily activities and materials as directed by the Lead and Associate Teacher.
- Supports snack, self-help, and hygiene routines that build preschoolers' growing independence.
- Prepares and distributes snacks; cleans snack-preparation areas and classroom spaces after snacks and meals.
- Assists children with bathroom transitions (if the teacher has completed an Assistant Teaching degree (equivalent to 6 units).
- Assists in the transition to outdoor play and recess and provides supervision.
- Assists in setting up and cleaning up learning centers and materials for planned activities.
- Assists in preparing the classroom for naptime and helps stow nap equipment afterward; assists children during nap time.
- Provides classroom coverage during Lead and Associate Teacher breaks, maintaining supervision of children at all times.
- Assists in maintaining all classroom and outdoor environments in a clean, safe manner.
- Assumes responsibility for the health, safety, and well-being of all children in the classroom.
- Attends staff meetings, trainings, and community events as requested, without exception.
- Attends all special events and celebrations outside of the school hours.
- Participates in activities that further own professional growth.
- Maintains confidentiality of all children, families, and employees.
- Represents and promotes the mission, vision, and philosophy of Open Minds Early School.
- Greets all children, parents, staff, and guests in a warm, professional manner.
- Assists other staff members when requested or as needed.
- All other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher, Associate Teacher, Assistant Director, or Director.
Position Qualilfications/Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- 6 core Early Childhood Development/Child Development semester units required (California Child Development Assistant Permit level). MUST be enrolled in 2 required Child Development classes in order to work as an aide with full teacher supervision at all times.
- Prior experience working with young children preferred.
- Spanish fluent speaking required since students are spoken to in Spanish during the school day.
- English speaking preferred.
Company-Wide Job Requirements
- Must pass a health screening and TB test.
- Must pass background fingerprint clearance (Department of Justice).
- Valid Driver's License or state-issued Identification Card required.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Required to use computers as needed to complete work tasks and may be asked to answer phones.
- Immunization records that comply with Senate Bill 792 (immunity for measles, pertussis, rubella, and influenza).
- Required to be a mandated reporter and complete the state-approved Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Certification upon hire, renewed every 2 years.
- Valid Pediatric/Adult CPR and First Aid certification required.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred - Full Spanish fluency required.
Join us in creating an enriching environment where young learners thrive through immersive language experiences! We are dedicated to supporting your professional growth as you help shape the future of our students.
Pay: $19.75 - $27.60 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
