PreK Teacher Assistant

Teacher Assistant - PreK

Hutchinson Public Schools is looking for a Teacher Assistant. High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required. Possession of a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a State-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements; OR enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or a related field; OR Willingness to Enroll in a CDA credential program within 90 days of hire, to be completed within two years of the date of hire. One to three months related experience and/or training in early childhood education is preferred. Must demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Starting wage is $15.75 and is commensurate with education and experience.

A Teacher Assistant supports the lead teacher in providing a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for young children. The assistant helps implement educational programs, supervise children, and ensure their well-being. This role requires creativity, patience, and a passion for early childhood education.

Include the following: Other duties may be assigned.

• Assist in the daily preparation of equipment, materials and learning environments.
• Assist the teacher with classroom instruction for up to twenty children.
• Implement activities as assigned by the teacher, adapting them as needed to meet the diverse needs of the children.
• Stimulate children's interest in learning, participation, discussion, and questioning.
• Provide individualized support to children who may need extra assistance with tasks such as fine motor skills, communication, or following instructions.
• Assist with on-going assessment of enrolled Lil' Hawks students.
• Participate in home visits and parent/teacher conferences as assigned.
• Monitor children to ensure their safety and well-being at all times.
• Actively engage with children—whether through conversation, play, or supporting activities.
• Assist with transitions between activities (e.g., snack time, outdoor play, rest time).
• Maintain positive, respectful interactions with children to promote a healthy learning environment.
• Aide in setting up and maintaining the classroom environment, ensuring materials are prepared and ready for daily activities.
• Provide guidance and support to children in managing their emotions and resolving conflicts.
• Help promote positive behavior through praise and redirection in alignment with Conscious Discipline.
• Help monitor children's health, including assisting with handwashing, feeding, and diapering (if applicable).
• Assist children in developing social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with peers.
• Assist in de-escalating situations and guiding children through challenging behaviors with patience and empathy.
• Maintain a vigilant and active presence in the classroom, ensuring all children are monitored at all times during activities, transitions, and playtime.
• Report any incidents, accidents, or issues to the lead teacher or site manager.
• Attend staff meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings and individual supervision meetings regularly.
• Attend regularly scheduled team meetings.
• Attend meetings and workshops to expand and improve professional skills.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required. Possession of a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a State-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements; OR enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or a related field; OR Willingness to Enroll in a CDA credential program within 90 days of hire, to be completed within two years of the date of hire. One to three months related experience and/or training in early childhood education is preferred. Must demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of students or employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Possess or enroll in Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a program leading to an associates or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.