Provide individualized academic and behavioral support to preschool students while assisting lead teachers with classroom management and material preparation. Ensure a safe, inclusive environment and maintain compliance with state licensing and program standards.
Requirements summary
Requires an Associate degree in early childhood education or a New Jersey Paraprofessional Certificate. Candidates should have two years of teaching experience in early childhood programs, preferably with low-income or urban populations.
REPORTS TO: Site Director, Early Childhood Programs SUMMARY The Puerto Rican Action Board (PRAB) is a comprehensive human services organization based in Middlesex County, New Jersey. We are the primary institution that provides diverse bilingual/multicultural services to the entire Central New Jersey community. Each year, we serve approximately 30,000 people in the region. Our mission is to equip diverse individuals and families in Central New Jersey to achieve personal, family, and community development. Through our innovative early childhood, youth, family, and community programs, individuals and families access the tools and resources they need to grow into productive, self-sufficient people. The Teacher Assistant has a basic understanding of NJ Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations and NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing standards and expectations. S/he has good classroom management skills and understands developmentally appropriate practices for preschoolers. In collaborations with the Teacher, s/he uses NJ State Approved Curriculum and Authentic Assessment System in his/her classroom instruction. S/he is knowledgeable of internal systems used for general program operations, practices and procedures. S/he works closely with the Teacher and Site Director to ensure program compliance and to meet program and organizational goals. S/he is able to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, dynamic environment, and promotes entrepreneurism, creative problem-solving, and respect and compassion for staff members and the populations PRAB serves. RESPONSIBILITIES Planning and Preparation
One-on-One
Student
Support: Provide individualized assistance to assigned student(s), adapting instructional techniques and activities to support learning goals. Support may include academic, behavioral, and social-emotional guidance tailored to the student’s specific needs.
Classroom
Assistance: Assist lead teachers in classroom management, preparation of learning materials, and reinforcement of instructional activities.
Student
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
Holidays
Vision Plans
Retirement Plans
Personal Days
Sick Days
Supervision: Ensure a safe and inclusive environment by supervising students during classroom activities, transitions, and breaks. Demonstrates knowledge of content. Demonstrates knowledge of students. Understand instructional goals. Plans and prepares for coherent instruction with supervision. Supports the Class Environment Creates an environment of trust and respect. Understands strategies to assist in the inclusion of students in various settings. Ability to use strategies to promote student independence. Ability to effectively employ a variety of strategies that reinforce positive behavior. Responsible for assisting with the health, safety, and welfare of students in a classroom environment. Complete daily Meal Count and Attendance Record for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Maintain record of student’s allergy information and ensure center’s compliance in meal service. Understand and follow center’s Crisis Management Plan and Procedures. Delivery of Services / Accommodations (instruction) Ability to employ constructive communication strategies and approaches in working with students, staff, and the greater school community. Uses questioning and discussion. Engages students in learning. Professional Responsibilities and Development Reflects on practice. Documentation of student learning. Positive relationship with others. Participating in professional opportunities. Showing integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Displaying a positive work ethic. Ensure confidentiality to all children and families. Work in collaboration with staff and supervisors. Grow professionally and actively participate in the school’s professional learning community. Attend on Staff Meetings as well as other required meetings. Demonstrate consistent and reliable attendance and punctuality. Performs other duties as assigned by Site Director or Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs. General Follow NJ state requirement as per NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing, Chapter 122 Manual of Requirement for Child Care Centers. follow Center policy for the discipline and care of students in accordance with the DCF, Office of Licensing and PRAB manual & procedures. Insure compliance with PRAB rules, regulations and procedures accordance with PRAB Employee Handbook. Understand and follow center’s Crisis Management Plan and Procedures. Complete daily Meal Count and Attendance Record for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Maintain record of student’s allergy information and ensure center’s compliance in meal service. QUALIFICATIONS Associate degree in early childhood education or related field or New Jersey Paraprofessional Certificated. Two years teaching experience with an early childhood program. Experience working with low-income/urban population. Preferably bilingual Spanish/English. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Fully committed to PRAB’s vision, mission, and strategic goals and outcomes Follow NJ state requirement as per NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing, Chapter 122 Manual of Requirement for Child Care Centers. ollow Center policy for the discipline and care of students in accordance with the DCP&P and PRAB manual & procedures. Insure compliance with PRAB rules, regulations and procedures accordance with PRAB Employee Handbook. Basic knowledge of children’s physical, emotional and developmental patterns. Basic knowledge of general learning theories and curriculum development alternatives. Sensitivity for the individual and group needs of children and a joyful approach. Evidence of emotional maturity and stability. Evidence of sufficient security and judgment to handle crisis situations. Ability to seek supervision and use it constructively. Ability to create an atmosphere of positive and appropriate discipline. Ability to communicate with parents effectively. Ability to work collaboratively with a fast paced, highly interactive staff Proven ability to work effectively in a team setting Proven ability to work well with diverse groups Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications Bilingual English/Spanish recommended Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgment Physical Demands and Working Environment Regularly stand, sit, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds School staff will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment that is typical to the school environment Compensation and Hours This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position Salary will be determined based on the pre-established salary range and will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, in accordance with the NBBOE salary guide. Includes some early evening and weekend work hours Benefits are generous, including paid employee health and dental insurance (some employee contribution required); voluntary vision and retirement plans are also available Paid time off includes sick, and personal days, and holidays PRAB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Qualifications
Market context
Teacher assistants are in steady demand
In New Jersey, teacher assistant roles are commonly tied to classroom support needs in early childhood and K-12 settings, where schools look for dependable help with instruction, supervision, and daily routines. Competition often centers on meeting state licensing requirements, passing background checks, and showing prior experience with young children. Review the specific certification steps early, since the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original posting to save you research time.
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