1

Preschool Associate Teacher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Preschool Associate Teacher

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $24.25/hr

Has an Associate Teacher Permit or higher. * HS/EHS/MSHS/State-Braided Associate Teachers must also meet at least one of the following criteria: * Have a child development associate (CDA) credential ...

Preschool Associate Teacher

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Associate Teacher are members of the teaching team who share responsibility for the care and education of an assigned group of children/classroom. There may be more than one person designated as an ...

Preschool Associate Teacher

Tracy, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Associate Teacher are members of the teaching team who share responsibility for the care and education of an assigned group of children/classroom. There may be more than one person designated as an ...

Preschool Associate Teacher

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Associate Teacher are members of the teaching team who share responsibility for the care and education of an assigned group of children/classroom. There may be more than one person designated as an ...

Preschool Associate Teacher

Parlier, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $20.50/hr

Has an Associate Teacher Permit or higher. * HS/EHS/MSHS/State-Braided Associate Teachers must also meet at least one of the following criteria: * Have a child development associate (CDA) credential ...

Showing results 21-40

Preschool Associate Teacher information

See salary details

$11

$18

$28

How much do preschool associate teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for preschool associate teacher in the United States is $18.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a preschool associate teacher?

Preschool Associate Teachers are educators who assist lead teachers in the classroom, supporting the development and learning of young children, typically ages 3-5. They help create a safe and nurturing environment, implement lesson plans, supervise activities, and provide individualized attention to students. Associate teachers may also help with classroom management, communicate with parents, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. This role is essential for fostering early childhood education and development while gaining valuable experience in the field.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a preschool associate teacher?

To thrive as a Preschool Associate Teacher, you need knowledge of early childhood development, basic instructional techniques, and typically at least a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent coursework. Familiarity with classroom management tools, lesson planning software, and child safety protocols is often required. Patience, creativity, and strong communication skills help foster a nurturing and effective learning environment. These skills are vital to support children's growth, ensure their safety, and collaborate effectively with lead teachers and parents.

How do preschool associate teachers collaborate with lead teachers and other staff members?

Preschool Associate Teachers work closely with lead teachers by assisting in lesson planning, classroom management, and implementing daily activities. They often support individualized instruction for students and help maintain a safe, nurturing environment. Regular communication with lead teachers and other staff is essential for addressing children's needs and ensuring consistency in classroom routines. This collaborative approach helps create a cohesive, supportive atmosphere where all children can thrive.

What is the difference between Preschool Associate Teacher vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectPreschool Associate TeacherPreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some states require CDA or early childhood education coursesAssociate’s degree in early childhood education or related field; often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentPreschools, daycare centers, early childhood programsPreschools, private or public early childhood education settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist lead teachers, supervise children, support activitiesPlan and implement curriculum, lead classroom activities, assess student progress

While both roles work in early childhood settings and support children's development, Preschool Associate Teachers typically assist lead teachers and require fewer credentials. Preschool Teachers have more responsibilities, including curriculum planning and classroom management, often requiring higher education qualifications.

Can I become a preschool associate teacher with an associate's degree?

Preschool associate teachers typically need at least an associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field. Some positions may require additional certifications such as CPR or background checks, but an associate's degree is generally sufficient for entry-level roles in preschool settings.

Where do preschool associate teachers make the most money?

Preschool associate teachers tend to earn higher salaries in states with a higher cost of living and greater demand for early childhood education, such as Massachusetts, California, and New York. Salary levels are also influenced by experience, education level, and the type of employer, such as private preschools or public school districts.
More about Preschool Associate Teacher jobs

What cities are hiring for Preschool Associate Teacher jobs?

Cities with the most Preschool Associate Teacher job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Preschool Teacher jobs?

The most popular types of Preschool Teacher jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Preschool Associate Teacher jobs?

The top employers for Preschool Associate Teacher jobs are:

What states have the most Preschool Associate Teacher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Preschool Associate Teacher jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Preschool Associate Teacher jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Preschool Associate Teacher jobs are:

Infographic showing various Preschool Associate Teacher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,191 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Preschool Associate Teacher

Bright Horizons Family Solutions

Mount Joy, PA • On-site

$14.10 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Bright Horizons rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 297 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 223 rated education and training


Job description

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons, where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives every day. Learn from early education experts while having the opportunity to pursue a CDA or college degree at no cost. Experience this and more as a Bright Horizons Associate Teacher.
Full-time positions are available with preschoolers.
Anticipated Hours: 9am-6pm
Responsibilities:
  • Assist with hands-on activities to meet the needs and interests of the children
  • Maintain open communication with parents, sharing their child's daily milestones
  • Ensure a safe and clean classroom by following essential procedures and guidelines

Qualifications:
Candidates must pass required state and company background checks, and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:
  • 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required
  • 2 years of experience working in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred
  • CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred

Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We're changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you're the difference.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons', and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training.
If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery and services per Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee.
  • Frequently lift, carry, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, or hold weight more than 40 pounds
  • Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities
  • Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies
  • Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodation for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.
Compensation:
The pay range for this position is between $14.10 - $17.50 / hr. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.
Benefits:
Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools
  • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program
  • Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family
  • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness

Bright Horizons is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis.
Compensation: $14.10 - $17.50 / hr
Life at Bright Horizons:
At Bright Horizons, you're more than your job title - you're the difference. Whether you're nurturing a child's first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We're a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future - for yourself and for others.
Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).
If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

What Bright Horizons employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom