Preschool Teaching Assistant

Job Summary

The Teaching Assistant plays an integral role within the Preschool instructional team, supporting the teacher in delivering a Hawaiian Culture-Based Education program that fosters Christian values. The position supports student learning, maintains safety and security, assists with lesson planning, and serves as the teacher in the teacher’s absence. It is a full‑time, Monday‑through‑Friday, 40‑hour week at the East Hawaii region.

• Instructional Support – Assists with daily classroom instruction; prepares materials; facilitates group activities; documents student progress.
• Supervision – Supervises student behavior; ensures safety during breaks and activities; manages classroom in the teacher’s absence.
• Program Support – Maintains classroom organization; plans snack menus; manages supplies; ensures sanitation and safety; records attendance.
• Family Engagement – Builds relationships with families; communicates progress; participates in home visits; provides feedback on behavior and learning.
• Substitute Teaching – Manages classroom in teacher’s absence; delivers lesson plans; implements assessment plans; provides interventions.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the listed requirements.
• Associate’s Degree in ECE, Associate’s Degree with 9 ECE credits, CDA Certification, or 2 years of college (60 credits) with a 16‑credit Early Childhood certificate.
• Minimum of 6 months of related work experience.
• Current Community First Aid and Pediatric CPR Certification.
• Current Department of Health Food Handler’s Certification.
• Ability to implement positive behavior management strategies.
• Patience and understanding of developmental needs of young children.
• Experience supervising students independently or under a teacher’s direction.
• Proficiency in classroom technology and educational tools.
• Ability building strong relationships with students and families.
• Team player with effective collaboration skills.
• Adaptability to diverse student needs and individualized support strategies.

• Valid driver’s license.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
• 2 years of classroom experience, ideally with preschool or early childhood students.
• Experience planning and implementing learning activities in an instructional role.
• Familiarity with culturally relevant curricula, especially Hawaiian culture‑based education.

Tasks include frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and handling up to 30 pounds. Participation in twisting, squatting, kneeling, climbing, reaching, and fine manipulation tasks is required.

The role requires work indoors and outdoors at the preschool multiple times throughout the day and may involve traveling to off‑site locations and neighboring islands. Work is typically Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at hr or 808‑534‑8040 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodations include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.