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Preschool Teaching Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do preschool teaching assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for preschool teaching assistant in the United States is $15.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I be a preschool teaching assistant with no experience?

Preschool teaching assistant positions often do not require prior experience, but having a high school diploma or equivalent is typically necessary. Some employers may provide on-the-job training and look for candidates with good communication skills and a caring attitude. Certifications in early childhood education or first aid can improve job prospects but are not always mandatory for entry-level roles.

What is a preschool teaching assistant?

Preschool teaching assistants support lead teachers in classroom activities, helping to create a safe and engaging learning environment for young children, typically ages 3 to 5. They assist with lesson preparation, supervise play and activities, and help with daily routines such as meals and bathroom breaks. Additionally, they provide individualized attention to children, support their social and emotional development, and communicate with parents as needed. Their role is essential in ensuring that classrooms run smoothly and that each child receives the care and guidance they need to thrive.

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

To thrive as a Preschool Teaching Assistant, you need a basic understanding of early childhood development, classroom management, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification such as a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Familiarity with educational software, learning materials, and child safety protocols is typically required. Patience, creativity, and strong communication skills help foster a positive learning environment and support young children's growth. These skills are crucial for ensuring a safe, engaging, and nurturing classroom that supports children's social and cognitive development.

What is the difference between Preschool Teaching Assistant vs Kindergarten Teacher?

AspectPreschool Teaching AssistantKindergarten Teacher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some states may require certificationBachelor's degree in education or related field; state certification/license
Work EnvironmentAssist in preschool classrooms, supporting early childhood developmentLead classroom instruction for kindergarten students, planning lessons
Employer & Industry UsagePreschools, daycare centers, early childhood programsPublic and private elementary schools

While both roles support early childhood education, Preschool Teaching Assistants primarily assist teachers in preschool settings with activities and supervision, often requiring less formal education. Kindergarten Teachers lead classroom instruction for older preschoolers, requiring a bachelor's degree and certification. Both roles are vital in early childhood development but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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

Preschool teaching assistants often encounter challenges such as managing energetic groups of young children, addressing diverse learning needs, and maintaining classroom routines. Effective strategies include collaborating closely with lead teachers to adapt activities, using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior, and staying flexible to support individual children as needed. Building strong communication with both students and staff helps foster a supportive, productive classroom environment.

What qualifications do you need to be a preschool teaching assistant?

Preschool teaching assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience working with young children. Many employers prefer candidates with early childhood education certifications or coursework, and some positions may require background checks and CPR certification. Strong communication skills and patience are also important for the role.
More about Preschool Teaching Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Preschool Teaching Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Preschool Teaching Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Preschool Teaching jobs? The most popular types of Preschool Teaching jobs are:
What states have the most Preschool Teaching Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Preschool Teaching Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Preschool Teaching Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,665 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Preschool Teaching Assistant - Floater

Early Learning Essentials

Orem, UT โ€ข On-site

$18.96 - $21.72/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Make a difference in the community with Early Learning Essentials (ELE)! We are a non profit organization that offers preschool services to children and families who encounter life's challenges and need a hand up.
Full-time employees enjoy exceptional benefits with medical, dental, life, and a 401(k). We are a family friendly company as all staff enjoy gym benefits, weekends off, and twice the normal holidays!
POSITION SUMMARY:
Position is 186 days; a typical work week is Monday - Friday with an expectation of no more than 40 hours per week. For weeks with less than five working days, daily hours only apply. This position is not eligible for telecommuting as it is front-line work in nature working face-to-face with children and families.
Assists the teacher to provide instruction, supervision, and provision of appropriate learning activities for all enrolled children at a specified site. Under the direction of the teacher, delivers comprehensive educational services to Head Start children, including those with Individualized Education Plan's (IEP), behavioral support or health plans and English language learners, helping them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a developmentally appropriate manner toward the overall goal of social competence and school readiness, as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards, the 2007 Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act and Early Learning Essentials' policies and procedures and ensures services support the agency's school readiness plan.
This position provides classroom coverage when teaching assistant's are absent in various locations depending on agency needs or in an open teaching position until position is filled in specific locations. Candidate must be flexible, and available to work different daytime and weekday shifts or at different locations within Early Learning Essentials.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within two (2) years. Early Learning Essentials may assist with the cost of obtaining a CDA as long as funds are available.
  • Experience working with preschool children or preschool lab work leading to a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from a recognized institution is preferred.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • An Associate or Baccalaureate degree (in any area) from a recognized institution or be enrolled in a program leading to a degree; or
  • An Associate or Baccalaureate degree in ECE, Elementary Education, Child Development, or other closely related field from a recognized institution is preferred.
  • Official or unofficial transcript which shows the award or confer date of the degree must be attached to the employment application.
  • Bilingual Spanish-speaking is desirable and may be required in some locations.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
  • Maintains current inter-rater reliability in Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG)
  • Substantial knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to handle/re-direct child challenging behaviors.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and to develop solutions to problems with limited supervision.
  • Ability to write and speak the English language in a proficient and professional manner to meet requirements of the job.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, community groups, and other related agencies and people.

PAY RANGE BY QUALIFICATIONS:
$18.96/hour - No CDA credential/CDA in progress
$19.30/hour - CDA credential earned
$19.85/hour - AA in ECE or related field
$21.72/hour - BA in ECE or related field
Additional Information
The pay structure for classroom staff is set up similar to a school district's with annualized paychecks spread out through the year in bi-weekly pay periods, thus allowing our staff to receive paychecks even when they are off during the summer months.
Official or unofficial transcript which shows the award or confer date of the degree must be attached to the employment application.
Bilingual Spanish-speaking is desirable.