Assistant Preschool Teacher

Assistant Preschool Teacher (Ages 3–5)

Academy for Visual Arts Preschool

Help Inspire Creativity. Support Young Learners. Make Every Day Meaningful.

At Academy for Visual Arts, we believe every child is naturally creative, curious, and capable. Our classrooms are filled with opportunities for children to learn through art, exploration, play, and meaningful relationships.

We're seeking a caring, energetic, and dependable Assistant Preschool Teacher to join our team. Working alongside the Lead Teacher, you'll help create a nurturing, engaging, and safe classroom where children feel encouraged to grow, explore, and express themselves through creativity.

If you're passionate about working with young children and enjoy being part of a collaborative team, we'd love to welcome you to Academy for Visual Arts.

Position Summary

The Assistant Preschool Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, organized, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages 3–5. This role assists with daily classroom activities, supervision, lesson implementation, and care routines while helping foster children's academic, social-emotional, physical, and creative development.

Assistant Teachers play an essential role in maintaining a positive classroom culture and ensuring every child feels supported, valued, and successful.

What You'll Do

Support Daily Learning

Working under the guidance of the Lead Teacher, you will:

Assist in implementing engaging daily lessons and activities.

Support hands-on learning experiences that integrate creativity and visual arts.

Encourage children to participate, explore, and discover through play.

Help prepare classroom materials and learning centers.

Assist children individually and in small groups during learning activities.

Encourage independence while providing guidance and support.

Reinforce classroom expectations and daily routines.

Build Positive Relationships

Every interaction matters.

You'll:

Develop warm, respectful relationships with each child.

Encourage kindness, confidence, curiosity, and creativity.

Support children's social-emotional development through positive interactions.

Model respectful communication and appropriate behavior.

Help children develop problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.

Celebrate each child's accomplishments and unique strengths.

Bring Creativity Into Every Day

At Academy for Visual Arts, creativity is woven throughout the day.

Assistant Teachers help facilitate experiences including:

Painting

Drawing

Collage

Sculpture

Mixed media

Dramatic play

Music and movement

Sensory exploration

Creative storytelling

Open-ended art experiences

You'll encourage children to express themselves while supporting language development, fine motor skills, confidence, and imagination.

Support Classroom Organization

A well-prepared classroom helps children succeed.

Responsibilities include:

Preparing classroom materials before activities.

Setting up and maintaining learning centers.

Organizing art supplies and educational materials.

Keeping classrooms clean, welcoming, and engaging.

Displaying children's artwork with care and pride.

Helping maintain an orderly classroom throughout the day.

Promote Health & Safety

Children's safety is always our top priority.

Assistant Teachers will:

Maintain active supervision of children at all times.

Assist with transitions, meals, toileting, rest time, and outdoor play.

Follow all Academy policies and Pennsylvania OCDEL licensing regulations.

Help maintain child-to-staff ratios and classroom supervision requirements.

Assist with emergency procedures and safety drills.

Report concerns, incidents, or injuries immediately.

Maintain cleanliness by sanitizing toys, tables, classroom materials, and equipment throughout the day.

Partner with Families

Assistant Teachers help create welcoming relationships with families by:

Greeting children and families warmly each day.

Sharing positive moments and daily updates when appropriate.

Supporting respectful and professional communication.

Maintaining confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

Work as Part of a Team

You'll collaborate closely with the Lead Teacher and administration by:

Following the Lead Teacher's instructional guidance.

Assisting with classroom management and daily routines.

Communicating openly and professionally with team members.

Participating in staff meetings and professional development.

Contributing ideas that enhance children's learning experiences.

Demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and a positive attitude.

Qualifications Required

High school diploma or GED required.

CDA (Child Development Associate) credential or willingness to obtain one preferred, or qualifications meeting Pennsylvania OCDEL requirements.

Experience working with young children preferred.

Passion for early childhood education and creativity.

Ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Strong communication and organizational skills.

Ability to create positive relationships with children and families.

We're Looking for Someone Who Is...

✔ Patient, caring, and nurturing

✔ Enthusiastic and energetic

✔ Creative and enjoys hands-on learning

✔ Dependable and professional

✔ Flexible and adaptable

✔ Organized and proactive

✔ A supportive team player

✔ Passionate about helping children grow and succeed

✔ Committed to providing exceptional care and education

Physical Requirements

Frequently sit, stand, bend, kneel, squat, and lift up to 40 pounds.

Participate in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.

Engage actively in floor play, classroom instruction, creative projects, and playground supervision.

Why Join Academy for Visual Arts?

At Academy for Visual Arts, you'll become part of a creative, collaborative school community where teachers are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow professionally.

We believe that when educators feel inspired, children do too.

Every day you'll have the opportunity to:

Inspire creativity through meaningful experiences.

Build lasting relationships with children and families.

Collaborate with passionate educators.

Help create a joyful, inclusive learning environment.

Make a lasting impact on the lives of young learners.

Our Mission

At Academy for Visual Arts, we believe every child deserves to learn in an environment where imagination is celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and every accomplishment is valued.

As an Assistant Preschool Teacher, you'll play an essential role in creating a classroom where children feel safe, supported, confident, and excited to learn through exploration, artistic expression, and meaningful relationships.

Together, we inspire young minds, nurture creative hearts, and help children discover the joy of learning every single day.