Preschool Teacher Assistant

The Teacher Assistant is responsible for maintaining an organized and safe classroom environment,

supporting the teacher in instructional and administrative tasks, and fostering positive relationships with students,

parents, and staff. Duties include managing classroom materials, documenting student progress, assisting with

behavior plans and IEPs, and participating in family engagement activities. All practices must be consistent with

guidelines put forth by Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center, Inc., the Newark Board of Education, and

the NJ Preschool Teaching & Learning Standards

See full job description here.

Requirements

The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in an early childhood classroom setting, with responsibility for small group instruction, documentation, or classroom management. Experience supporting children with special needs, including implementation of IEPs or behavior plans, is strongly preferred. Evidence may include supervisor feedback, classroom portfolios, coaching notes, or documented contributions to child assessments or family engagement.
• Current CDA with an Infant/Toddler or Preschool Endorsement; or
• Passing Score on ParaPro Exam; or
• Associate/Bachelor Degree: Early Childhood Education (preferred); PLUS

• Must demonstrate applied knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) in early childhood education, including experience supporting culturally responsive interactions with families from diverse backgrounds. Evidence may include prior lesson support, classroom roles, family communication, or community engagement experience.
• Must demonstrate a successful track record of collaborative work in a classroom or program team setting. Evidence may include contributions to shared lesson planning, team problem-solving, co-teaching experiences, or peer feedback.
• Must be comfortable using early learning software and digital documentation tools, such as Teaching Strategies GOLD, Hatch Ignite, or equivalent platforms. Experience entering observations, tracking child progress, or supporting classroom technology use is strongly preferred.

Benefits

Benefits of Joining Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center:

Health & Wellness

• Medical insurance with generous employer contributions (up to 80% for employees, 70% for dependents)
• 100% employer-paid dental and vision coverage for employees and children
• 100% employer-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Access to additional voluntary benefits (Aflac, Colonial Life)

Time Off & Flexibility

• Paid sick and safe leave
• Paid holidays and breaks (based on position schedule)
• Schedule flexibility and planning time for instructional roles

Professional Growth

• Ongoing professional development and coaching
• Opportunities for advancement through internal job board and leadership programs
• Tuition reimbursement and support for credentialing (CDA, teacher certification)

Additional Perks

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with mental health and wellness support
• Meaningful work in a mission-driven, family-centered environment
• Participation in events, celebrations, and cultural enrichment activities