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Playground Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Playground Assistant information

What are some common challenges playground assistants face and how can they overcome them?

Playground Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing large groups of energetic children, mediating conflicts, and ensuring safety at all times. To overcome these challenges, it's important to establish clear rules, maintain constant supervision, and communicate effectively with both children and staff. Building rapport with the students and collaborating with teachers can also help create a positive and structured play environment, making it easier to address issues as they arise.

What is a playground assistant?

Playground assistants are staff members who supervise children during break times, usually in school playgrounds or recreational areas. Their main responsibilities include ensuring children's safety, encouraging positive play, resolving minor conflicts, and providing basic first aid when necessary. Playground assistants help create a safe and enjoyable environment for children to play, socialize, and develop social skills. They often work closely with teachers and other school staff to support student well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a playground assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Playground Assistant, you need basic first aid knowledge, child supervision skills, and often a background in childcare or education. Familiarity with incident reporting systems and playground safety standards is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to engage positively with children are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for children during playtime.

What is the difference between Playground Assistant vs Camp Counselor?

AspectPlayground AssistantCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require CPR/First AidHigh school diploma; CPR/First Aid certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentSchool playgrounds, parks, recreational facilities during school hoursSummer camps, day camps, overnight camps during summer months
Employer & IndustrySchools, community centers, parksSummer camps, youth organizations

While both roles involve supervising children and ensuring safety, Playground Assistants typically work during school hours in school or community settings, focusing on playground supervision. Camp Counselors work primarily during summer camps, managing activities and providing entertainment. Both roles require similar certifications and share a focus on child safety, but differ mainly in work environment and seasonal employment.

What cities are hiring for Playground Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Playground Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Playground jobs? The most popular types of Playground jobs are:
What states have the most Playground Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Playground Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Playground Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Toddler Playground Assistant

Knoxville Montessori

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Salary: Hourly pay ranges from $14.25$18.25/hr, based on experience, education, and certifications using a point-based pay scale.

Toddler Playground Assistant

20262027 School Year

Position Summary

Knoxville Montessori School is seeking a caring, patient, and dependable Toddler Playground Assistantteam member to join our Extended Day Program for the 20262027 school year. This position provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging after-school environment for children ages 18 months through 3 years while supporting their growing independence, social-emotional development, and love of learning.

A Toddler Playground Assistant work closely with the Toddler teaching team to create a calm, predictable environment where young children can transition from the school day into extended care with comfort and confidence. Staff provide attentive supervision, assist with daily routines, facilitate age-appropriate activities, support outdoor exploration, and help children develop practical life skills in accordance with Montessori principles.

The ideal candidate is warm, energetic, and responsive to the needs of young children. They enjoy getting on the floor to play, reading stories, singing songs, exploring outdoors, and supporting toddlers as they develop independence, language, and social skills.

Essential Responsibilities

Child Supervision & Care

  • Provide attentive supervision of toddlers during the Extended Day Program.
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of every child at all times.
  • Build positive, trusting relationships with children through consistent, nurturing interactions.
  • Support children's emotional regulation using respectful guidance and positive behavior support.
  • Assist children with toileting, diapering, handwashing, snack routines, and other daily care needs while maintaining each child's dignity and independence.
  • Help toddlers transition smoothly between activities and routines.

Learning & Engagement

  • Plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities including art, sensory experiences, music, movement, practical life activities, stories, and outdoor play.
  • Encourage curiosity, creativity, language development, and independent exploration.
  • Support children's social development by modeling Grace and Courtesy, problem-solving, and respectful communication.
  • Foster independence by encouraging children to complete tasks appropriate to their developmental level.

Environment & Classroom Support

  • Prepare and maintain a clean, organized, welcoming environment.
  • Sanitize toys, materials, and classroom spaces according to school procedures.
  • Assist with snack and cleanup.
  • Maintain outdoor play areas and learning materials.
  • Help ensure classrooms remain organized, stocked, and ready for daily use.

Communication & Teamwork

  • Communicate professionally
  • Share important information regarding children's well-being with classroom teachers and administration.
  • Work collaboratively with the Toddler team and Extended Day staff.
  • Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and school events.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • College coursework or degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field is preferred.
  • Experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children in a childcare, Montessori, daycare, preschool, or educational setting is preferred.
  • CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
  • Ability to actively supervise children indoors and outdoors, including bending, lifting (up to 40 pounds), sitting on the floor, and engaging in active play.

Schedule

School Year

  • MondayFriday
  • Approximately 2:00 PM6:00 PM

Additional hours may be available during:

  • Summer Programs (8:30 AM4:00 PM)
  • Teacher In-Service Days (8:00 AM4:00 PM)
  • School Break Programs

Compensation

$14.25$18.25 per hour, based on education, experience, certifications, and qualifications through Knoxville Montessori School's point-based compensation scale.

Why Join Knoxville Montessori School?

At Knoxville Montessori School, we believe the youngest learners deserve a peaceful, respectful environment where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to become independent. Our Extended Day team plays an essential role in creating a joyful end to each child's day through meaningful relationships, engaging experiences, and compassionate care.

If you have a passion for early childhood education and enjoy helping toddlers grow with confidence, curiosity, and kindness, we encourage you to apply.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. Questions may be directed to HR@knoxmontessori.org.