Preschool Teaching Assistant

Job Description

Salary: $17.00 per hour

Schedule: 35 to 40 hours per week

A Preschool Teaching Assistant assists the Preschool for Creative Learning lead teacher in planning and developing classroom activities for preschool children, helps to keep a safe environment for the children and clearly communicates with parents and other staff members about issues concerning the children.

This position typically reports to the Director of the Department of Preschool For Creative Learning, or other appropriate administrator at a University of South Florida campus. This is a non-professional instructional position supporting an academic department, college, or central advising office on a USF campus. This position requires considerable contact with children, teachers, parents and other staff members to attain common goals.

The incumbent requires demonstrated human relations and communication skills, and is distinguished by this requirement from advising support positions that are primarily administrative in nature.

• Assists with the preparation of classroom activities for preschool children.
• Assists with the preparation of classroom activities for preschool children.
• Monitors all classroom activities in the absence of the lead teacher.
• Interact with children in a positive and supportive manner.
• Communicates with parents and/or authorized guardian.
• Maintains a healthy and safe environment for the children.
• Maintains continuous monitoring and record keeping of the children's progress
• Communicates problems concerning students to professional staff.
• Administers established school and playground rules.
• Facilitates the training of student assistants.
• Performs duties as required to maintain a clean and safe learning environment, such as preparing and serving snacks, kitchen clean up, library duties, laundry and maintaining a safe playground area.
• In conjunction with lead teacher, offers information on heath, social services, and other support required for children with disabilities.
• Administers emergency first aid to students.
• Performs other assigned duties that are within the area of knowledge and skills required by the job such as assistance in special events, fundraising, activities and participation in professional conferences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of experience with childcare and/or customer service. Early Childhood Associate Degree or CDA required.

4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.

6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No.

1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.