Age Group: 12–24 Months
Position Overview
Watkins Preschool & Early Learning Center is seeking a loving, dependable, energetic, and patient Tiny Two Assistant Teacher to join our preschool team. Our Tiny Two classroom serves our youngest learners, ages 12–24 months, during an exciting stage of growth, exploration, and development.
The Tiny Two Assistant Teacher works closely with the Lead Teacher to provide a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment where each child feels loved, secure, and encouraged to learn through play and exploration.
At Watkins, we believe even our littlest learners are capable of BIG things! Our Tiny Two team should celebrate each child's individual development while building strong, trusting relationships with children and their families.
Essential Responsibilities
The Tiny Two Assistant Teacher will:
- Work alongside the Lead Teacher to provide a loving, nurturing, and positive classroom environment.
- Assist with the daily supervision and care of children ages 12–24 months.
- Maintain active supervision of children at all times and follow all Watkins and Kentucky child-care licensing requirements.
- Assist with diapering, toileting readiness, handwashing, feeding, meals, snacks, rest time, and other daily care routines.
- Help children develop independence through age-appropriate routines and encouragement.
- Support the Lead Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences.
- Participate in activities including sensory play, music and movement, art, early literacy, fine-motor activities, gross-motor play, outdoor exploration, and faith-based learning.
- Engage with children at their level by talking, reading, singing, playing, and interacting throughout the day.
- Encourage early language and communication skills by modeling words, identifying objects, and having frequent positive interactions with children.
- Support children's social-emotional development by providing comfort, consistency, encouragement, and positive redirection.
- Help children learn beginning classroom routines, transitions, sharing, and appropriate social interactions.
- Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, welcoming, and safe classroom.
- Clean and sanitize toys, classroom materials, tables, changing areas, and other classroom spaces as required.
- Assist with preparing the classroom and materials before and after activities.
- Communicate children's needs, accomplishments, concerns, injuries, or changes in behavior to the Lead Teacher and Preschool Director.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
- Build positive and professional relationships with Watkins families.
- Follow all Watkins policies and procedures regarding health, safety, illness, allergies, medication, emergencies, incident reporting, and child supervision.
- Participate in required staff meetings, professional development, training, and school events.
- Assist in other classrooms or preschool areas when needed.
- Be a positive, dependable, and supportive member of the Watkins team.
Health & Safety Responsibilities
Because Tiny Twos require close supervision and hands-on care, the Assistant Teacher must be committed to maintaining the highest level of safety.
The Assistant Teacher is expected to:
- Maintain constant visual and auditory supervision of children.
- Follow Watkins' name-to-face procedures and classroom ratio requirements.
- Follow proper diapering, handwashing, cleaning, and sanitation procedures.
- Closely supervise children during meals, snacks, outdoor play, transitions, and rest time.
- Immediately report injuries, safety concerns, or unusual behaviors to the Lead Teacher and/or Preschool Director.
- Follow all emergency procedures and participate in required safety drills.
- Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification as required.
- Follow all Kentucky child-care licensing regulations and Watkins Preschool policies.
Our Expectations at Watkins
At Watkins Preschool & Early Learning Center, our teachers and assistants are more than classroom staff—they are an important part of a child's first school experience.
We expect every team member to help create an environment where children feel safe, loved, valued, and excited to come to school each day. Our staff should model kindness, patience, teamwork, professionalism, and grace in their interactions with children, families, and one another.
As a faith-based preschool, we strive to demonstrate God's love through the way we care for our children, support our families, and work together as a team.
Pay: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
