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Preschool Associate Jobs in Ridgeland, MS (NOW HIRING)

Hinds County Human Resource Agency

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INFANT AND TODDLER TEACHER

Jackson, MS · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... Associate (CDA), or directly related field with one (1) year of experience working with preschool children. Special Requirements Applicant must: Ø pass Criminal Background and Child Abuse Central ...

Hinds County Human Resource Agency

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Center Administrator

Jackson, MS · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Characteristics of Work Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Head Start and Early ... a Preschool Program, may be substituted for the B. S. Degree requirement. Must be able to ...

Hinds County Human Resource Agency

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TEACHER

Jackson, MS · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

... Associate (CDA), or directly related field with one (1) year of experience working with preschool children. Special Requirements Applicant must: Ø pass Criminal Background and Child Abuse Central ...

Hinds County Human Resource Agency

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Teacher Assistant

Jackson, MS · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Degree (any field) or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and one (1) year of experience working with preschool children. Special Requirements Applicant must: Ø pass Criminal Background and ...

All JobsPreschool Associate JobsPreschool Associate Jobs in Ridgeland, MS

Preschool Associate information

See Ridgeland, MS salary details

$9

$15

$23

How much do preschool associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for preschool associate in Ridgeland, MS is $15.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.84 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a preschool associate?

Preschool Associates are educational professionals who support lead teachers in early childhood classrooms, typically working with children ages 3 to 5. They assist with implementing lesson plans, supervising activities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the children. Preschool Associates also help with classroom organization, behavior management, and fostering a positive learning environment. Their role is crucial in promoting the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.

What qualifications are needed to work as a preschool associate?

To work as a preschool associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete early childhood education training or certification. Some positions also require background checks and basic first aid or CPR certification. Strong communication skills and patience are important for working with young children.

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

To thrive as a Preschool Associate, you need a solid understanding of early childhood development, basic teaching strategies, and often a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent experience. Familiarity with classroom management tools, lesson planning software, and adherence to state licensing requirements is typically required. Patience, creativity, and strong communication skills are essential for engaging young children and collaborating with parents and colleagues. These skills and qualities are crucial for fostering a safe, supportive, and enriching learning environment for preschoolers.

What is the difference between Preschool Associate vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectPreschool AssociatePreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications preferredEarly childhood education certification or associate's degree
Work EnvironmentPreschools, daycare centers, childcare facilitiesPreschools, private or public early childhood education settings
Employer & Industry UsageChildcare providers, early education programsPreschools, early childhood education institutions
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with daily activities, supervise children, support lead teachersPlan and implement educational activities, manage classroom, assess children's progress

While both roles support early childhood development, Preschool Associates typically assist teachers and focus on supervision and basic care, whereas Preschool Teachers are responsible for planning educational activities and managing the classroom. The roles often overlap, but Preschool Teachers usually require more formal education and certification.

What are some common challenges a preschool associate may face when supporting young children's development?

Preschool Associates often encounter challenges such as managing varying attention spans, addressing different learning needs, and helping children develop social skills. Balancing the needs of multiple children while maintaining a positive and safe classroom environment can require strong communication and patience. Additionally, Preschool Associates work closely with lead teachers to implement lesson plans and may need to adapt activities to keep children engaged. These challenges are excellent opportunities for professional growth and developing valuable classroom management skills.
Preschool Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preschool Associate job openings in Ridgeland, MS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,653 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Associate Preschool Minister (Reservoir Campus)

Pinelake Church

Brandon, MS

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY

The Associate Preschool Minister is responsible for assisting the Preschool Minister in developing, implementing, and promoting a Preschool Ministry that involves education and activities for children, from birth through kindergarten, and their families to reach the church body and the community for purposes of learning of Christ, living for Christ, and leading others to Christ.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Learn
    • Pursue a growing relationship with Jesus through consistent time in God's Word and prayer.
    • Continually grow in your understanding of the Jesus-Centered Life (salvation, identity, life, and authority in Christ).
    • Remain teachable and hungry, seeking feedback, learning from others, and developing both spiritually and professionally.
    • Cultivate awareness of God's presence in everyday life, listening to the Holy Spirit and responding in obedience.
  • Live
    • Practice and model the rhythms of Be the Church (Grow, Pray, Connect, and Share).
    • Pursue emotional health by engaging in self-awareness, addressing past wounds, and cultivating honest, healthy relationships.
    • Practice healthy rhythms, prioritizing your relationship with Jesus and your family
    • Embody a life of integrity and surrender, allowing your private life with God to shape your work.
  • Lead
    • Take ownership of disciple-making by personally investing in others and helping them move toward a Jesus-Centered Life.
    • Walk others through the Discipleship Pathway (Essentials JCL Be the Church), helping them discover and take their next step.
    • Shepherd people, not just programs, by listening for where God is at work in their story and walking with them toward transformation.
    • Equip and release others by developing Servant Leaders and multiplying disciples who Learn from Christ, Live in Christ, and Lead others to Christ.
    • Measure success by life change, spiritual formation, and multiplication-not just attendance or activity.
  • Embrace the Culture
    • Value and embody the staff values, which we call the 7 H's: Humility, Honor, Honesty, Hunger, Holy Spirit, Health, and Harmony
    • Communicate clearly, honestly, and proactively in a way that builds trust, unity, and momentum.
    • Work in alignment with the church vision and leadership
    • Participate fully in the life of your campus or team, contributing to the unity, health, and shepherding of the faith family.

SPECIFIC LIST OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • In conjunction with the Preschool Minister, provides leadership of all Preschool Ministries, including, but not limited to:
    • Weekly ministry, servant leader development, and strategic events, including Baby Dedication and other events.
    • Oversee Childcare Coordinator and provide leadership and help manage Moms' Morning Out and Childcare including budget, hiring, and scheduling
    • Implementation and execution of strategy to recruit and develop leaders to lead in all areas of Preschool ministry, including hospitality team, classroom leaders, Sonrays (special needs) leaders, and MMO/Childcare teachers.
    • Equipping for all servant leaders through scheduled leader huddles and coach meetings.
    • Shepherding preschool ministry leaders to grow spiritually, relationally, and in ministry excellence to partner with parents in the discipleship of their children.
    • Provides consistent communication for families and leaders that shepherds them in light of the mission and vision of Pinelake Church.
    • Builds relationships with preschool families through personal contact, lunches, meetings, or correspondence.
    • Works alongside the Preschool Minister in the implementation of all materials, curriculum, and resources from One Church for the Preschool Ministry to effectively communicate God's eternal truths to children.
    • Assisting with Preschool Ministry calendar and budget preparation.
    • Keeping the Preschool and Childcare Ministry safe by shepherding servant leaders through Pinelake's Our House Promise safety policy and ensuring that policy is implemented at all times.
    • Assists other ministries as necessary in the successful completion of regular worship events and special events.
    • Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises and coordinates work with servant-leaders, Mother's Morning Out Program (MMO), and Childcare teachers.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Bachelor's degree minimum; and two to four years of ministry related experience and/or training.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

The individual must have excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work with a diverse group of people, communicate clearly and effectively on the telephone, e-mail and in person, demonstrating tact and diplomacy. Exceptional interpersonal skills are required to develop and maintain strong working relationships with volunteers, co-workers, the public and church members and regular attendees. The individual must have the ability to understand written or oral instructions; read, analyze, and interpret complex documents, instructions manuals, policies and procedures is essential.

COMPUTER AND MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

The individual must have demonstrated skill in the use of Mac/Windows OS to complete tasks, including word processing and spreadsheets and the ability to use the internet for information retrieval. The individual must have basic mathematical skills, knowledge of bookkeeping and basic accounting, and budget and expense monitoring. The individual must have the ability to read financial information and spreadsheets.

REASONING ABILITY

This individual should be able to simultaneously conceptualize and plan multiple tasks, have the ability to project outcomes using different implementation strategies, and be able to apply creative and innovative thinking to problem situations. The ability to work effectively and efficiently under stressful conditions to ensure deadlines are met is essential.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.

Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate.

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