Preschool Teaching Assistant

About the role

Kamehameha Schools is seeking a full-time Teaching Assistant to support our Paukukalo Preschool. ECE credits and experience in Early Childhood Education are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supports 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.
• Safeguards student behavior independently and under the teacher’s direction, employing early childhood behavior management strategies aligned with school policies and procedures.
• Assists in the preparation of classroom materials and maintaining classroom organization, including snack menu planning and supply management.
• Maintains 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.
• Participates in required professional development and training sessions, staying up-to-date with technology and educational practices relevant to early childhood education.
• Buils 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.
• Assumes full responsibility for classroom management, lesson delivery, and student supervision in 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.

Requirements

• One of the following educational credentials: Associates Degree in ECE, 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.
• Patient and understanding of the developmental needs of young children, with a focus on creating 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.

Qualifications

An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the requirements listed. Must have a valid driver's license.

Skills

Knowledge of early childhood education principles and practices, ability to manage classroom behavior, proficiency in using educational technology, and strong interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Based on the compensation range provided below, salaries are commensurate with job-related experience, skills and competencies, education, internal equity, length of work year, and other organizational needs. KS offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employee ʻohana.