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Preschool Assistant information

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How much do preschool assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for preschool assistant in Riverside, CA is $17.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Preschool Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of early childhood development, classroom support techniques, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification in childcare. Familiarity with educational software, classroom management systems, and basic first aid/CPR certification is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and a nurturing attitude are crucial soft skills for engaging young children and supporting teachers. These skills and qualities are vital for fostering a safe, positive learning environment and promoting healthy development in preschool-aged children.

What are some common challenges faced by preschool assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Preschool Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing energetic groups of young children, addressing diverse learning needs, and maintaining classroom routines. Effective communication with the lead teacher, consistent use of positive reinforcement, and flexibility in adapting activities can help manage these challenges. Building strong relationships with both children and colleagues fosters a supportive environment, making it easier to handle unexpected situations and ensure a smooth classroom experience.

What is the difference between Preschool Assistant vs Teacher Assistant?

AspectPreschool AssistantTeacher Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require early childhood education certificationsHigh school diploma; some positions may require related certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentPreschools, daycare centers, early childhood education settingsElementary schools, preschools, or other educational settings
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in early childhood educationAcross various grade levels, including preschool and elementary
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in early childhood educationComparing support roles in schools

Preschool Assistants focus specifically on early childhood settings, supporting preschool teachers and caring for young children. Teacher Assistants may work across different grade levels, including preschool and elementary, with broader responsibilities. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in educational environments, but Preschool Assistants specialize in early childhood development.

What qualifications do you need to be a preschool assistant?

To become a preschool assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require early childhood education (ECE) certification or training. Strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to work with young children are also important qualifications for this role.

What is a preschool assistant?

A preschool assistant provides support to lead teachers of at a preschool. As a preschool assistant, your job duties include supervising children during free play and instructional activities, directing instructional activities independently or alongside the lead teacher, working one-on-one or in small groups with children who need extra help, assisting with meal and snack times, helping potty-trained children with bathroom breaks, and changing diapers for younger children. You also collaborate with the lead teacher to assess the students' social, behavioral, and physical development.

What does a preschool assistant do at a preschool?

A preschool assistant supports lead teachers by supervising children, helping with classroom activities, and ensuring a safe and engaging environment. They may assist with lesson preparation, monitor children's behavior, and help with basic needs such as feeding and hygiene, often working under the guidance of a certified teacher. Strong communication skills and patience are important in this role.
More about Preschool Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Preschool jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Preschool jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Preschool Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Preschool Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Preschool Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Preschool Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Preschool Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Preschool Assistant job openings:
Preschool Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preschool Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,575 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Preschool Assistant (After-Care)

Foothill Country Day School

Claremont, CA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Salary: $18-$21

Position: Preschool Assistant (After-Care)

Reports to:Preschool Director

Position Status:Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday-Friday from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Start Date: August 19, 2026

The School:

Founded in 1954, Foothill Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school serving approximately 420 students from preschool-8th grade. As a safe, nurturing, and inclusive community, we are intentional about building and sustaining relationships with our colleagues and the students and families we serve. We are united in pursuing intellectual inquiry, academic excellence, integrity, and service to others. We inspire each student to become ambitious, compassionate, and courageous.

Summary:

Foothill Country Day School is currently seeking an energetic team player to join our team as a Preschool Assistant. The Preschool Assistant provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for preschool children, works closely with teachers and staff, and supervises children through afternoon activities, play, snacks, and daily routines while ensuring their safety and well-being until they are picked up by their families. The Preschool Assistant helps maintain a clean, organized classroom, fosters positive relationships with children and families, and supports the smooth operation of the preschool program from arrival to the end of each school day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:


  • Engage children in activities and play that are developmentally appropriate and stimulate their development

  • Provide appropriate care giving routines for individual children and assist children with activities of daily school life

  • Help create and maintain an environment that is attractive, clean, organized, safe, and developmentally appropriate and nurturing for children

  • Help supervise students in classroom and outdoor settings, ensuring student safety at all times
  • Enforce school and class rules to help teach students proper behavior
  • Assist lead teacher in retrieving and distributing meals and snacks

  • Provide meal and rest break coverage for teachers and preschool assistants

  • Lock all classrooms and set alarm at the conclusion of after school duties
  • Establish a professional level of rapport with each family in order to provide quality care and friendly service
  • Maintain a professional self-image and project the values of the School at all times
  • Attend meetings, in-services, workshops, and child development program functions

The ideal candidate will have the following educational and work background:

  • 12 Early Childhood Education unitsrequired
  • Infant/toddler and preschool experience preferred
  • CPR/First Aid/Blood Borne Pathogens Certification or ability to obtain certification upon hire
  • Infant/Toddler Certification

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:

  • Understanding of Foothills Mission and Core Values
  • A patient and caring nature
  • A desire to work with children and embrace their differences in learning and temperament and meet their individual needs
  • Ability to engage in a collaborative and friendly working culture
  • A congenial affect and a collaborative, team-oriented working style
  • Possess a strong work ethic, be punctual, and have minimal absences
  • Be mentally and physically capable of caring for a small group of children alone in a classroom or on playground

Physical Demands:


  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

    • While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to stand and bend over with ease, kneel, squat, lift up to 40 pounds, push, pull, and carry objects or children.

Salary Range:

$18-$21 per hour

Foothill Country Day School provides a competitive wage and an inviting, professional, and collegial working environment and is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all local, state, and federal laws in its interview and employment practices. Physical presence is an essential function of the job.