Preschool Teachers Aide

What is a Preschool Teacher’s Assistant?

Working under supervision of the lead teacher, preschool teacher’s assistants carry out a variety of activities designed to help children gain a basic understanding of numbers, letters, colors, and shapes. They also play an instrumental role in supervising children on the playground, getting them ready for nap time, toileting, and serving snacks. These are all important components of the preschool routine, which, if carried out appropriately, helps young children gain confidence in themselves and in their environment.

Without aides or assistants available to carry out key tasks, lead teachers might struggle to develop or execute lesson plans. This position is also important in that it provides young kids with yet another strong role model, as well as a great source of emotional support.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintaining a safe and supportive environment for young children
• Assisting teachers with carrying out lesson plans
• Helping children use the bathroom or, when necessary, changing diapers
• Handling basic hygiene needs such as handwashing
• Preparing children for and supervising them during nap time
• Preparing and serving lunch or healthy snacks
• Observing children for developmental problems and other concerns—and passing this information on to the preschool teacher
• Supporting preschool teachers with preferred classroom management and discipline strategies
• Participate and help with parent-teacher conferences as needed

What Is the Outlook for Preschool Teacher Assistants?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics about 151,000 openings for teacher assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Where Do Preschool Teacher Assistants Work?

Many preschool teacher’s assistants work at facilities dedicated specifically to pre-K or kindergarten education. In other cases, these classrooms may be integrated within larger elementary schools. In these settings, each classroom may include one teacher and at least one aide or assistant. 

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends a ratio of 1 adult to every 10 children for preschool classes that mainly consist of 4 and 5-year-old students. For younger children, this ratio is just 1:9. Aides make it possible to maintain or even exceed this ratio in classrooms or facilities that educate and care for up to twenty children.

While preschool teacher’s assistants are often involved with dedicated pre-K programs, some are also employed in daycare facilities and other childcare environments. Locations can vary considerably, as preschool and daycare programs are run everywhere from public schools to community centers and even churches or corporate settings. This versatility represents a key benefit of the job, as aides are equipped to serve in virtually any location in which childcare or educational services are provided.

Additional Training/Requirements

Specific requirements for working in the field of early childhood education vary significantly from one state to the next. Even within a specific state or region, different jobs may require varying levels of training or certification in CPR or first aid. This is often guided by the aforementioned CDA credentialing process.

Students who earn the Early Childhood Care & Development diploma are encouraged to apply for the credential. The process for obtaining this may depend on desired work settings. Examples referenced by the Council for Professional Recognition include:

• Center-based preschool for children between 3 and 5 years of age 
• Center-based infant or toddler care for children up to 36 months 
• Family childcare for children between birth and 5 years of age 

Beyond diplomas and CDA credentials, employers consider a variety of additional factors when determining whether applicants are eligible or suitable for employment. Many conduct criminal background checks, as well as assessments of physical and psychological health. In some cases, criminal convictions can make it more difficult for prospective preschool teacher’s aides to find work.

If you’d like additional information on opportunities within the field of education, feel free to browse the online education section of our blog. There, you’ll find valuable insights into the possibility of working as a preschool teacher aide or assistant.