Early Learning Preschool Assistant

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Early Learning Preschool Assistant supports the classroom teacher in providing a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for young children. This role focuses on fostering social emotional and academic growth through hands-on activities play-based learning and individualized support. The Preschool Assistant works closely with children to help them develop foundational skills in literacy numeracy and social interactions while promoting a positive inclusive classroom culture. This position plays a key role in ensuring the well-being and success of all students during their early childhood education experience.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the classroom teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and activities that promote early childhood development.
• Support children in developing foundational skills in areas such as literacy math motor skills and social-emotional learning through play and structured activities.
• Provide individualized attention and small-group support to children as needed reinforcing lessons and promoting positive behavior.
• Help children with daily routines including arrival transitions between activities meals and restroom needs.
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment by encouraging positive social interactions and teaching appropriate classroom behavior.
• Supervise children during non-instructional times such as playtime outdoor activities and field trips ensuring safety and well-being.
• Prepare materials and assist in setting up learning centers activities and the classroom environment.
• Communicate effectively with students teachers and parents to share student progress and any concerns.
• Support children with emotional development encouraging them to express their feelings and develop self-regulation skills.
• Promote healthy habits including hygiene practices and physical activity to support childrens overall development.
• Assist in the observation and documentation of childrens progress and developmental milestones.
• Collaborate with the teacher to meet the diverse needs of all students adapting activities and providing additional support when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned to contribute to the smooth operation of the preschool classroom.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Reads comprehendsand interprets simple directions and written information
• Able toarticulate expectations to students.
• Interprets and delivers directions to students given by the teacher
• Applies common sense reasoning in carrying out detailed but simple written or oral instructions
• Manages problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
• Developseffective working relationships with students staff and community members
• Demonstrates a caring and warmdemeanor and an understanding of childrens needs
• Exhibits good listening skills anda willingness to collaborate and cooperate with other staff in accomplishing the goals of the school program.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility: Frequent walking standing bending crouching and kneeling to assist students and support classroom activities.
• Lifting: Ability to lift carry and move up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally including assisting students with mobility needs if required.
• Repetitive Motion: Regular use of hands and fingers for writing typing and handling instructional materials.
• Visual and Auditory Requirements: Ability to see and hear within normal ranges to monitor student behavior support instruction and ensure safety.
• Physical Assistance: This may involve supporting students with physical disabilities including transferring positioning or assisting with mobility devices.
• Endurance: Capability to actively engage with students throughout the school day including indoor and outdoor supervision (e.g. recess field trips).
• Speech and Communication: Clear verbal communication to interact effectively with students staff and families.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• School Setting: Primarily works in classrooms but may also assist in specialized learning spaces libraries cafeterias playgrounds hallways and other school areas.
• Student Interaction: Regular direct interaction with students including those with diverse learning needs and varying behavioral emotional or physical abilities.
• Team Collaboration: Works closely with licensed instructional staff special education teams and other support personnel to assist students.
• Dynamic Environment: Fast-paced and varied requiring flexibility to shift between instructional support behavioral management and supervision tasks.
• Supervision Duties: Responsible for student supervision in classrooms and during non-instructional times (e.g. lunch recess bus loading/unloading and field trips).
• Exposure to Elements: May work outdoors during recess field trips or other activities subject to varying weather conditions.
• Health & Safety Considerations: Potential exposure to bodily fluids or illnesses while assisting students with health or hygiene needs following proper safety protocols.
• Noise Level: Moderate to high depending on student activities and settings.
• Physical Demands: The work involves standing walking bending lifting and moving throughout the day to support students and instructional activities.
• Inclusive Environment: Expected to promote and support a culturally responsive inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with children in an educational childcare or related setting.
• Associates degree or completion of at least two years of post-secondary education (equivalent to 60 college credits).
• Experience supporting students.
• Preferred: Training in behavior management techniques and culturally responsive practices.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.

BENEFIT INFORMATION
St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information including specific benefits and associated costs please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.