Teacher Assistant

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Teacher Assistant supports classroom teachers in providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for young children. This role assists with the supervision and care of children, helps prepare classroom materials and activities, and supports daily classroom routines. The Teacher Assistant works under the guidance of classroom teachers and center leadership to help promote children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth while maintaining compliance with all licensing, health, and safety requirements.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist teachers in implementing age-appropriate classroom activities and learning experiences that support children’s development.

• Supervise children during daily routines including playtime, meals, activities, and rest periods to ensure safety and well-being.

• Help prepare classroom materials, supplies, and learning environments for daily activities.

• Support classroom teachers in maintaining required staff-to-child ratios and safe supervision practices.

• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.

• Maintain open and respectful communication with parents, staff, and center leadership as appropriate.

• Support children’s health and safety by following center policies, reporting incidents, and assisting with documentation when needed.

• Assist with maintaining classroom records and supporting daily reports as required.

Licensing/Certification

First Aid and CPR certification in adult and pediatrics (required within state specific timeline)

Education

High School diploma or GED (required)

Coursework in Early Childhood Education or similar field (preferred)

Work Experience

Previous experience in Early Childhood Education (preferred)

Must successfully meet all state requirements and successfully obtain and complete required background screening for child care associations.

Training

None

Language

None

Patient Population

• ​​​​Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.​ ​

• ​​​Understands life span growth and development principles, assesses patient data, and tailors care according to age and specific needs as per departmental policies.​ ​

• ​​​Neonates (0-4 weeks)​ ​

• ​​​Infant (1-12 months)​ ​

• ​​​Pediatrics (1-12 years)​ ​​

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements/ Hazards

• ​​​​Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.​ ​

• ​​​General office environment.​ ​

• ​​​May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.​ ​

• ​​​May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.​ ​

• ​​​May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*​ ​

• ​​​May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*​ ​

• ​​​May have periods of constant interruptions.​ ​

• ​​​Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.​ ​​

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Demands Frequency (%)

Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.): ​1-33%​

Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.) ​1-33%​

Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.) ​1-33%​

Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.) ​1-33%​

Stoop, Kneel ​1-33%​

Crawling ​1-33%​

Climbing ​1-33%​

Balance ​1-33%​

Bending ​1-33%​

Work Position

Sitting ​34-66%​

Walking ​34-66%​

Standing ​34-66%​

Additional Physical Requirements

• ​​​​Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)​​

• ​​​Hear alarms/telephone/audio recordings​​

• ​​​Reach above shoulder​​

• ​​​Repetitive arm/hand movements​​

• ​​​Finger Dexterity​​

• ​​​Acuity - Far​​

• ​​​Acuity - Near​​​

Hazards

• ​​​​Use of Latex products​​

• ​​​Depth perception​​

• ​​​Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents​​

• ​​​Exposure to high pitched noises​​​

Skills

• Basic knowledge of child development and age-appropriate learning activities

• Ability to work cooperatively with teachers and classroom staff

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to supervise and interact positively with children

• Organizational skills and ability to assist with classroom preparation and routines

• Ability to follow policies and procedures related to child safety and licensing requirements

• Customer service skills when interacting with families