Pre-school Assistant Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s evolving educational landscape, the role of pre-school assistant teachers has never been more crucial.

As early childhood education paves the way for future learning, the demand for nurturing, creative, and dedicated individuals who can help shape our youngest learners’ developmental foundations increases.

But what is truly expected from a pre-school assistant teacher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or merely curious about the nuances of early childhood education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pre-school assistant teacher job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pre-school Assistant Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

Pre-school Assistant Teachers play a critical role in early childhood education, offering support to lead teachers and facilitating activities that stimulate and educate young children.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist the lead teacher in developing lesson plans and daily routines
• Help children with activities like reading, writing, art projects, and singing songs
• Monitor children during indoor and outdoor play to ensure their safety
• Help children with basic needs such as feeding, dressing, and toilet training
• Support children in developing social skills and maintaining discipline
• Prepare learning materials and classroom for class activities
• Organize, sanitize and maintain classroom resources and materials
• Communicate with parents about their child’s development and behaviors
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities

 

Pre-school Assistant Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pre-school Assistant Teacher to join our team.

The Pre-school Assistant Teacher will assist in implementing a caring, educational program to foster learning and development in a safe, structured environment.

Ideal candidates should have a passion for working with young children, possess patience, creativity, and a love for education.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist lead teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and activities.
• Help supervise children and ensure their safety at all times.
• Provide help and support with classroom management.
• Assist in maintaining a clean and organized classroom environment.
• Communicate with parents about their child’s progress and behavior.
• Help children with their basic needs, such as toileting, meal times, and rest periods.
• Support the social and emotional development of children.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development.

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in early childhood education or childcare is preferred.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field is a plus.
• First Aid and CPR certified, or willing to become certified.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well with children, parents, and staff members.
• Must pass a background check and provide necessary clearances.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pre-school Assistant Teacher
• Work Environment: Classroom setting. Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, as well as lift up to 25 lbs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pre-school Lead Teacher.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pre-school Assistant Teacher Do?

Pre-school Assistant Teachers work in preschools, daycares, and other early childhood development facilities.

They assist the Lead Teacher in implementing lesson plans and activities that cater to the developmental needs of young children.

They help organize the classroom and prepare materials for activities, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.

They also assist with the supervision of children during activities, breaks, and meal times.

Their role involves direct interaction with children, often one-on-one or in small groups, to enhance their learning experiences.

They play a significant part in the early childhood learning process, providing support in teaching basic skills such as color, shape, number, and letter recognition, as well as social skills.

Pre-school Assistant Teachers also assist with record-keeping, such as tracking each child’s progress and behavior.

They communicate with parents and guardians about the child’s day, including any notable achievements or concerns.

They support the Lead Teacher in maintaining classroom discipline and managing any behavioral issues.

They also help ensure the health and safety of children by enforcing hygiene practices and attending to minor injuries.

In some cases, Pre-school Assistant Teachers may be responsible for performing administrative duties such as coordinating with other staff, preparing reports, and managing classroom supplies.

 

Pre-school Assistant Teacher Qualifications and Skills

Pre-school Assistant Teachers should possess a range of interpersonal and developmental knowledge, along with the ability to assist the lead teacher in managing a classroom, such as:

• Possessing a fundamental understanding of early childhood development to assist in managing classroom activities and fostering a supportive learning environment for children.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with young children, parents, and colleagues, clearly articulating needs and concerns, and providing feedback on a child’s progress.
• Patience and empathy to understand the unique needs of each child and to handle difficult situations with calmness and compassion.
• Creativity and innovation to assist in designing engaging and stimulating activities that contribute to the child’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
• Physical stamina to keep up with the active nature of children, including activities like playing, lifting and bending.
• Teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with lead teachers and other staff to contribute to a cohesive and positive learning environment.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt to the dynamic environment of a preschool classroom, addressing and resolving challenges as they arise.

 

Pre-school Assistant Teacher Experience Requirements

A Pre-school Assistant Teacher often requires a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience working with children, either through internships, part-time roles, or volunteer positions at daycare centers, children’s clubs, or educational institutions.

Candidates may have gained experience in roles such as Childcare Assistant, Camp Counselor, or even Babysitting.

These roles offer opportunities to learn how to effectively interact with children, manage their behaviors, and assist in their developmental processes.

Those with more than 2 years of experience likely have developed classroom management skills, the ability to assist in lesson plan development, and a deeper understanding of child psychology and development.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have refined their teaching abilities, gained experience in a structured educational setting, and may have even had some administrative responsibilities.

They may be ready for a Pre-school Teacher role or a more leadership-oriented position within an educational institution.

It’s also common for employers to require an associate degree or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field, depending on the complexity of the role and the educational standards of the institution.

 

Pre-school Assistant Teacher Education and Training Requirements

Pre-school Assistant Teachers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum educational requirement.

In addition to this, an associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field can be beneficial.

These degree programs provide a well-rounded education and prepare students to support children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth.

Most states require pre-school assistant teachers to obtain a childcare certification.

This usually involves completing a recognized training program and passing an exam.

These programs cover essential topics such as child development, health and safety, learning activities, and child guidance.

Furthermore, some states require pre-school assistant teachers to have a certain amount of experience in a childcare setting.

This can be gained through internships, student teaching, or paid work.

Continuing education is also important in this role.

Pre-school assistant teachers should be willing to pursue ongoing professional development to keep up with the latest theories and techniques in early childhood education.

Lastly, CPR and first aid certification may also be required, as well as a background check, to ensure the safety of the children.

 

Pre-school Assistant Teacher Salary Expectations

A Pre-school Assistant Teacher earns an average salary of $27,125 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can greatly differ based on factors such as experience, educational qualifications, location, and the specific policies of the employing institution.

 

Pre-school Assistant Teacher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pre-school Assistant Teacher need?

A Pre-school Assistant Teacher needs strong communication skills to interact effectively with young children, parents, and other staff members.

They should have patience, creativity, and a love for children.

They should also have a good understanding of child development, be able to prepare and implement age-appropriate activities, and have the ability to observe and report on child behavior and development.

 

Do Pre-school Assistant Teachers need a degree?

While some preschools may not require a degree, many prefer Pre-school Assistant Teachers to have at least an associate’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.

Some states also require certification in Child Development and CPR and first aid.

 

What should you look for in a Pre-school Assistant Teacher resume?

When reviewing a Pre-school Assistant Teacher resume, look for experience in early childhood settings, educational background related to early childhood development, and any relevant certifications.

The resume should also highlight skills like patience, creativity, and excellent communication skills.

Previous experience working with children of the same age group is a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Pre-school Assistant Teacher?

A good Pre-school Assistant Teacher should be patient, understanding, and able to relate well to young children.

They should be creative, energetic, and capable of designing and implementing engaging activities for the children.

Additionally, they should have good observation skills to monitor and report on the children’s behavior and development.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pre-school Assistant Teacher?

A Pre-school Assistant Teacher typically assists the lead teacher in planning and implementing daily activities, supervises children during playtime, provides care such as feeding and changing diapers, maintains a safe and clean environment, and helps in documenting children’s progress.

They also interact with parents, providing updates about their child’s day and development.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the veil on what it really means to be a pre-school assistant teacher.

Surprised?

It’s not just about playing games and babysitting.

It’s about nurturing young minds and laying the foundation for their future, one child at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive pre-school assistant teacher job description template and real-life scenarios, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop at readiness?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with a child is a step towards shaping their future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.