Teaching Assistants, Preschool

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

Supervise students in classrooms, halls, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips. Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers. Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.

Teach social skills to students. Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.

• Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
• Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
• Teach social skills to students.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
• Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.
• Clean classrooms.
• Observe students' performance and record relevant data to assess progress.
• Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their eye levels and perceptual skills.
• Organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
• Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
• Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.
• Conduct demonstrations to teach skills, such as sports, dancing, and handicrafts.
• Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.
• Type, file, and duplicate materials.
• Laminate teaching materials to increase their durability under repeated use.
• Requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.
• Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.
• Participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students' progress or problems.
• Assist in bus loading and unloading.
• Maintain computers in classrooms and laboratories, and assist students with hardware and software use.
• Grade homework and tests, and compute and record results, using answer sheets or electronic marking devices.
• Plan, prepare, and develop various teaching aids, such as bibliographies, charts, and graphs.
• Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
• Distribute tests and homework assignments and collect them when they are completed.
• Collect money from students for school-related projects.

Required Skills and Qualities

• Patience and empathy are crucial for working with students of varying backgrounds and abilities.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills are needed to discuss student progress with teachers and parents.
• Organization: Ability to multitask in a busy environment and manage administrative records.
• Flexibility: The capability to adapt quickly to changing classroom needs or unexpected situations.

Education and Experience

• Minimum Education: Most positions require at least a High School Diploma or GED. Many districts prefer an Associate's or Bachelor's degree, or at least two years of college coursework.
• Certifications: Some roles require CPR and First Aid certification. Special education positions may require specific training, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.