Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

Job Summary

Oak Hill United Methodist Church Preschool is seeking a passionate, nurturing, and dedicated Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher to help create a warm, engaging, and child-centered classroom environment where young children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to learn. Working under the guidance of the Lead Teacher, the Preschool Assistant Teacher supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences that promote each child's cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.

This position plays an essential role in the daily operation of the classroom by assisting with instructional activities, supervising children, preparing classroom materials, supporting daily routines, and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. The ideal candidate has a genuine love for working with young children, demonstrates patience and flexibility, communicates effectively with children, families, and colleagues, and enjoys working collaboratively as part of a teaching team.

As a valued member of our Preschool team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact during a child's most important developmental years while serving in a collaborative environment committed to providing exceptional early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences that support children's cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development while aligning with the Preschool curriculum and Texas Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Help create and maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment that encourages exploration, creativity, independence, and positive social interactions.
• Build meaningful relationships with each child and foster a classroom culture rooted in kindness, respect, and care.
• Support the Lead Teacher in observing children's developmental progress and share observations that help meet each child's individual learning needs.
• Interact positively with families during arrival and dismissal and communicate classroom information as directed by the Lead Teacher or Director of Preschool Ministries. Participate in parent events and conferences (as applicable).
• Assist with all daily classroom routines, including arrival and dismissal, learning centers, outdoor play, meals/snacks, restroom and diapering routines (as applicable), classroom transitions, and classroom clean-up.
• Utilize positive behavior management strategies that promote self-regulation, problem-solving, and respectful interactions among children.
• Prepare classroom materials, learning centers, and instructional resources as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment that meets Preschool standards for health, safety, and cleanliness.
• Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher, Preschool staff, church staff, and families to maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented environment.
• Assist with maintaining attendance records and other classroom documentation in accordance with Preschool policies and Texas Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Participate in a minimum of 24 hours of annual professional development focused on early childhood education, child development, health and safety, and child welfare.
• Maintain current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification and complete all required licensing and church training, including Safe Gatherings.
• Work Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Preschool Ministries.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated passion for working with young children in a preschool setting.
• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children, including classroom management responsibilities.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 1–5.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and church staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Must obtain Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification upon hire (if not currently certified).
• Must successfully complete all required background checks, including fingerprinting, FBI criminal history, Central Registry, and any additional screenings required by Texas Child Care Licensing and Oak Hill United Methodist Church.
• Must complete all required licensing and church training, including Safe Gatherings.
• Must have a high school diploma or higher.

Join us in shaping the future by providing young children with a joyful and enriching preschool experience! This role offers an opportunity to grow professionally while making a lasting difference in children’s lives through dedicated teaching and compassionate care.

Pay: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 24.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person