Preschool Teacher

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Southern Pines Academy
Southern Pines, NC

Schedule:
Monday–Friday
8:30 AM–5:30 PM
Full-Time | Year-Round Position

About Southern Pines Academy

Southern Pines Academy is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for future success. We are looking for a caring and dependable Assistant Preschool Teacher who enjoys working with young children and is excited to be part of a collaborative teaching team.

Position Summary

The Assistant Preschool Teacher will work closely with the Lead Teacher to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for preschool-aged children. The ideal candidate is patient, energetic, dependable, and passionate about helping children develop socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.

The Assistant Preschool Teacher will support daily classroom activities, assist with lesson implementation, maintain a clean and organized classroom, and help create positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff members.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher with planning and implementing engaging, age-appropriate learning activities.
• Support children's language, cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.
• Encourage independence and age-appropriate self-help skills.
• Provide attentive supervision and maintain a safe classroom environment at all times.
• Assist with daily routines including meals, rest time, toileting, handwashing, and transitions.
• Support children with toileting and other personal-care needs as developmentally appropriate.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom environment.
• Assist with classroom observations, daily documentation, and child assessments as required.
• Build positive and respectful relationships with children and their families.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with the Lead Teacher and administration.
• Follow all Southern Pines Academy policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with North Carolina DCDEE childcare licensing requirements.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required training.
• Work collaboratively with classroom staff and administration to provide consistent, high-quality care and education.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Current North Carolina DCDEE Qualification Letter indicating eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility.
• EDU 119 completed or willingness to complete as required.
• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children preferred.
• Ability to safely supervise, interact with, and care for young children throughout the day.
• Ability to lift and carry children as needed.
• Ability to pass all required North Carolina DCDEE background and employment screening requirements.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Dependable, patient, nurturing, and willing to learn.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a classroom team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• North Carolina Early Childhood Credential.
• Previous experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education program.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience with Conscious Discipline or other positive behavior-support strategies.
• Experience working in a high-quality early childhood program.
• A genuine passion for helping preschool children learn, grow, and become confident, independent learners.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan / 401(k)
• Paid Training
• Performance Bonuses
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance

Why Join Southern Pines Academy?

At Southern Pines Academy, we believe our teachers are one of the most important parts of creating a positive experience for children and families. We are looking for someone who wants to grow with our team, build meaningful relationships with children, and make a difference every day.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person