JOB TITLE: Early Childhood Teaching Assistant DEPARTMENT: Support Staff REPORTS TO: Director of Early Learning FLSA: Non-Exempt
START DATE: ASAP
HOURS/DAY: 6.5 hours per day, 160 days per year RATE OF PAY: $19.81 - $22.25 per hour, Category B (2025-26 rates)
Terms of employment per the Minnesota School Employees Association Non-Certified Student Support Personnel (MSEA) collective bargaining agreement.
Join Our Team and Thrive!
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that stands out among school districts:
- Health Insurance: A rich health plan that provides extensive coverage for you and your family, ensuring peace of mind.
- Dental Insurance: Full coverage options for routine and preventive care, keeping your smile bright and healthy.
- Life Insurance: Protect yourself and your loved ones with a robust life insurance plan
- An Employee Assistance Program, free to employees and their family members
- Optional medical and dependent care flexible spending account
To learn more about our benefits and eligibility, visit our webpage for new employees.
SUMMARY:
To assist in providing a well-organized, smooth-functioning Early Learning Program by supporting educational activities, assisting classroom teachers, monitoring student safety and development, and creating a positive, inclusive environment for young learners.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
- Support and monitor students in educational, indoor, and outdoor settings to ensure a safe, orderly, and nurturing environment.
- Assist teaching staff with objective student observation, basic data collection, and the preparation and organization of instructional materials.
- Help implement educational activities and individualized student programming as designed by certified teaching staff.
- Demonstrate sensitivity and respect for diverse cultural heritages, lifestyles, and value systems among students, families, and staff.
- Participate in district- and program-provided professional development and training opportunities.
- Supervise and engage with students during outdoor activities and play in various weather conditions.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student records, family interactions, and sensitive school information in accordance with district policies.
- Promote positive interactions, open communication, and cooperative teamwork with students, parents, and school staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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.
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Previous experience in a preschool, child care, or early childhood educational setting preferred.
Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
- Current First Aid and CPR Certification.
Required Knowledge:
- Basic understanding of early childhood development, behavior guidance, and learning concepts.
- Familiarity with district policies, emergency response procedures, and student confidentiality requirements.
Required Skills:
- Strong initiative and adaptability to assist across various classroom and program needs.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with young children, colleagues, and families.
- Dependability, patience, and sound judgment in managing daily routines and active early childhood environments.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mobility and stamina to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings across all weather conditions; ability to stand, walk, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move for extended periods of time; physical strength to frequently lift and carry items up to 25 pounds, occasionally lift and carry items up to 75 pounds, and rarely lift items weighing up to or over 100 pounds; visual ability to monitor young children and read written materials; hearing and verbal communication skills to interact effectively in indoor and outdoor environments; and mental alertness to supervise children, follow procedures, and respond quickly to changing situations or emergency needs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a variety of settings including early childhood classrooms, multipurpose rooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces in various weather conditions.