Orlando Science Center.·Orlando, Florida
Assist the classroom teacher in supervising and managing preschool children aged 3-5 while implementing the Early Childhood Education program. Support children's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth through STEM-based activities and curriculum standards.
The Preschool Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting the classroom teacher with the general supervision and management of the Preschool class (3-5 years old) children. This individual will also assist the classroom teacher to execute the Early Childhood Education program in accordance with the goals, objectives and standards set forth by the Orlando Science Center Preschool in alliance with Early Childhood developmentally appropriate practices, FL Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing requirements, Teaching Strategies “Creative Curriculum”, Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) and NAEYC standards and guidelines. The Preschool Teacher will assist children (3-5 years old) in activities designed to promote social/emotional, physical and intellectual growth needed to be successful individuals related to their peer group, environment and community. Additionally, the Preschool Teacher Assistant will help other Preschool Assistants in conducting the guidelines and standards set forth by the Science Center Preschool in accordance with all standards and requirements.
Essential Functions
Embraces STEM education and informal teaching methodologies and strategies as essential functions of the Science Center Preschool and curriculum approach.
Assists in the implementation of the daily program under the direction of the classroom teacher, which includes lesson plans and activities.
Prepares the learning environment indoor and outdoor, setting up interest centers and preparing needed materials and supplies.
Maintains general daily housekeeping tasks.
Maintains rules of behavior and procedures in regards to class control.
Greets all arriving and departing children and their parents/guardian.
Supervises the classroom when classroom teacher is out of classroom.
Has open communication (verbal or written) with children, Preschool staff and Director.
Uses literacy, science, technology, engineering, math and motor development for individual, small and large group activities to provide children opportunities to observe, question and investigate.
Assists in observation and evaluation of a child’s performance, behavior, social development and physical health under the direction of the classroom teacher. Daily, weekly and monthly Preschool and VPK assessments will be conducted in accordance with guideline and standards.
Works with other teacher assistants in their daily activities and routines to align with the needs of the Preschool following developmentally appropriate practices and standards.
Follows and adheres to all administrative policies and rules governing the Preschool and its employees as OSC employees, DCF license and accreditation requirements.
Works collaboratively with Preschool staff, Director and OSC Education staff to provide appropriate programs, activities and projects.
Attends professional meetings, educational conferences, workshops and training in order to maintain and improve professional competence. Required number of in-service hours and/or CEUs will be provided according to licensing and accreditation requirements.
Demonstrates commitment to OSC’s vision, mission, guiding principles, and values
Performs other related duties as assigned.
This position is required to be onsite 100% of the time.
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Candidates must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or GED and experience working with children aged 0-8. Completion of 45 hours of DCF mandated child care courses is required.
Market context
Florida schools regularly seek classroom teachers, especially candidates who can lead instruction, plan lessons, and meet state certification and screening requirements. Competition often centers on classroom experience, subject fit, and readiness to complete Florida’s background check and education requirements. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your credentials and prepare examples of lesson planning and classroom management before applying.