Preschool Teaching Assistant in Mississippi Career Overview

As a Preschool Teaching Assistant, you play a vital role in the early education sector. Your responsibilities include supporting lead teachers in delivering a well-rounded education to young children, often ages 3 to 5. This position is essential in nurturing a child's development and laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

Key aspects of the role include:

  • Classroom Support: You assist in maintaining a positive and engaging classroom environment, helping to manage daily activities and routines to ensure a smooth operation.
  • Child Interaction: You engage with children on an individual and group basis, offering guidance and encouragement that fosters their social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
  • Curriculum Implementation: You help in executing lesson plans and educational activities designed to stimulate children's curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
  • Monitoring Development: You observe and record children's progress, providing valuable insights to the lead teacher regarding individual needs and advancements.
  • Communication with Families: You may also communicate with parents or guardians about their children's progress, challenges, and achievements, fostering a strong partnership between home and school.

The role of a Preschool Teaching Assistant is significant in promoting a positive learning experience for children, ensuring they are well-prepared for future academic challenges. Your contributions help cultivate a love for learning and a sense of security in the classroom, making a lasting impact on each child's educational journey.

Preschool Teaching Assistant Salary in Mississippi

Annual Median: $21,400
Hourly Median: $10.29

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Preschool Teaching Assistant in Mississippi

To become a Preschool Teaching Assistant in Mississippi, you typically need to fulfill certain educational qualifications and complete relevant training programs. Below are some of the specific degree programs that can prepare you for this role:

  • Early Childhood Education and Teaching
    A degree in Early Childhood Education focuses on the developmental needs of young children, covering essential teaching methodologies and curricula designed for preschool environments.

  • Kindergarten and Preschool Education and Teaching
    This program emphasizes the skills and knowledge needed to educate and care for children in both kindergarten and preschool settings, preparing you for effective classroom management and instructional techniques.

  • Child Development
    A Child Development degree offers insights into the various stages of emotional, social, and cognitive development in young children, equipping you to better understand their needs and support their growth.

  • Early Childhood and Family Studies
    This program combines the study of early childhood education with family dynamics, helping you understand the importance of familial roles in child development and the educational process.

  • Child Care Provider Assistant
    A certification or degree in Child Care Provider Assistant focuses on the foundational skills needed to support lead teachers in childcare settings, covering safety, hygiene, and basic educational activities.

In addition to these programs, some employers may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Depending on specific job positions, CPR and First Aid certification may be beneficial or required as well.

Best Schools to become a Preschool Teaching Assistant in Mississippi 2024

#1Jefferson County

Eastern Gateway Community College

Steubenville, OH

In-State Tuition:$4,115
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,727
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:30,364
#2San Francisco County

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$10,548
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:37%
Total Enrollment:16,134
#3Los Angeles County

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, CA

In-State Tuition:$1,104
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,048
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:32%
Total Enrollment:22,375
#4Yuba County

Yuba College

Marysville, CA

In-State Tuition:$1,104
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,464
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:29%
Total Enrollment:5,401
#5Tulare County

College of the Sequoias

Visalia, CA

In-State Tuition:$1,288
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,232
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:13,170
#6Los Angeles County

Los Angeles Mission College

Sylmar, CA

In-State Tuition:$1,196
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,828
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:24%
Total Enrollment:9,283
Preschool Teaching Assistant Job Description:
  • Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions.
  • Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

Preschool Teaching Assistant Required Skills and Competencies in Mississippi

  • Communication Skills: You must be able to clearly convey concepts and instructions to young children while also effectively communicating with teachers and parents.

  • Patience: Working with preschool-aged children requires a significant amount of patience as they may take time to understand tasks and express their emotions.

  • Creativity: You should be able to develop engaging activities and lessons that capture the imagination of young learners and foster their natural curiosity.

  • Observation Skills: Paying close attention to children's behavior and development will help you catch potential issues and provide appropriate support.

  • Interpersonal Skills: Building trusting relationships with children, parents, and colleagues is essential. You should be approachable and able to connect with others easily.

  • Teamwork: Collaborating with lead teachers and other staff members is important for creating a cohesive learning environment.

  • Organization Skills: You must manage time effectively, prepare materials, and maintain a structured environment for young children.

  • Flexibility: Being adaptable to changing situations and able to respond to the unexpected needs of children is vital in a preschool setting.

  • Empathy: Understanding and being sensitive to the feelings of children allows you to support their emotional and social growth effectively.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You need to think on your feet and find solutions to challenges as they arise in the classroom.

  • Basic Health and Safety Knowledge: You should be aware of health and safety regulations to ensure a safe learning environment for children.

  • Cultural Competence: Being aware of and respecting diverse backgrounds helps foster an inclusive environment for all children and families.

Job Duties for Preschool Teaching Assistants

  • Communicate with children's parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues.

  • Maintain a safe play environment.

  • Observe and monitor children's play activities.

Technologies and Skills Used by Preschool Teaching Assistants

Computer based training software

  • Educational software
  • Schoology

Multi-media educational software

  • Nearpod
  • Seesaw

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office software

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • Looking for ways to help people
  • Understanding people's reactions

Job Market and Opportunities for Preschool Teaching Assistant in Mississippi

The job market for Preschool Teaching Assistants in Mississippi currently reflects a strong demand, driven by a combination of factors essential to early childhood education.

  • Increasing Enrollment: As awareness of the importance of early childhood education grows, many parents are enrolling their children in preschool programs. This surge in enrollment increases the need for teaching assistants to provide adequate support in classrooms.

  • Growth Potential: The early childhood education sector is experiencing steady growth in Mississippi. With ongoing initiatives to improve education quality, there are more opportunities for teaching assistants to advance their careers, often leading to positions with greater responsibilities.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Urban Areas: Cities such as Jackson, Gulfport, and Biloxi are notable hotspots for job opportunities. These urban areas typically have a higher concentration of preschools and childcare centers.
    • Suburban Regions: Suburbs surrounding larger cities are also seeing growth in early childhood education programs, creating additional roles for teaching assistants.
    • Rural Areas: Although there may be fewer facilities in rural regions, local initiatives aimed at enhancing access to preschool education are opening doors for teaching assistants in these communities.

  • Community Programs: Many community organizations and non-profits in Mississippi are increasingly focused on early childhood education. These organizations often seek teaching assistants to help implement educational programs and promote literacy among young children.

  • Public Education Initiatives: There are enhanced public policies aimed at improving preschool education, which leads to more funding for programs and the potential for expanded teaching assistant roles in public elementary schools.

The combination of increased enrollment, growth in educational initiatives, and location-specific opportunities position the job market for Preschool Teaching Assistants as promising in Mississippi.

Top Related Careers to Preschool Teaching Assistant 2024

Early Childhood Educator
Nursery Caregiver
Daycare Supervisor
Child Development Specialist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Preschool Teaching Assistant in Mississippi

  • Mississippi Department of Education
    Visit the Mississippi Department of Education's website for information on early childhood education standards, licensing requirements, and professional development opportunities.
    Mississippi Department of Education

  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
    This organization offers resources, publications, and professional standards for early childhood education. NAEYC also provides helpful information on best practices for preschool teaching assistants.
    NAEYC

  • Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)
    The ECLKC provides valuable resources for educators focused on early childhood care and education, including training, workshops, and strategies for engaging young children.
    ECLKC

  • Mississippi Early Childhood Association (MECA)
    MECA offers resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for early childhood professionals in Mississippi. They provide information regarding local workshops and conferences.
    Mississippi Early Childhood Association

  • Child Care Aware of America
    This organization provides resources and support for child care providers, including information on training, certifications, and best practices in early childhood education.
    Child Care Aware of America

  • National Head Start Association (NHSA)
    The NHSA supports Head Start programs and provides resources related to early childhood education, including training programs and tools for teaching assistants.
    NHSA

  • Mississippi State University Extension Service
    The MSU Extension Service offers educational resources and programs related to early childhood development and parenting, which can benefit teaching assistants looking to enhance their knowledge.
    MSU Extension Service

  • Books and Publications

    • "The Intentional Classroom: Choosing a Curriculum for Young Children" by Ann E. Epstein.
    • "Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs" by Sue Bredekamp and Carol Copple.
      These books provide insights into effective teaching practices and curriculum planning.

  • Online Courses and Certifications
    Platforms such as Coursera, edX, and the National University offer courses on early childhood education that can help you gain relevant knowledge and skills.

By exploring these resources, you can enhance your understanding of the preschool teaching assistant role and further your career in early childhood education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Preschool Teaching Assistant in Mississippi

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Preschool Teaching Assistant in Mississippi?
    You typically need a high school diploma or GED. Many positions prefer or require you to have an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field. Additional certifications or training in child development can enhance your qualifications.

  • Is there a certification required to work as a Preschool Teaching Assistant?
    While certification is not always mandatory, some employers may require or prefer you to have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a similar certification. Completing specialized training in early childhood education can also be beneficial.

  • What skills are essential for a Preschool Teaching Assistant?
    Important skills include patience, creativity, strong communication abilities, and a passion for working with young children. You should also have good organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with teachers and parents.

  • What is the typical salary for a Preschool Teaching Assistant in Mississippi?
    Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the type of institution. As of 2023, the average salary for Preschool Teaching Assistants in Mississippi ranges from $20,000 to $28,000 annually.

  • What are the primary duties of a Preschool Teaching Assistant?
    Your duties may include assisting the lead teacher with lesson plans, supervising children during activities, helping with classroom organization, providing support during meals and transitions, and communicating with parents about their child's progress.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
    Yes, with additional education and experience, you can advance to positions such as lead preschool teacher or program director. Continuing education and obtaining further certifications can help facilitate growth in your career.

  • What is the job outlook for Preschool Teaching Assistants in Mississippi?
    The job outlook is generally positive, with a steady demand for early childhood education professionals as more parents seek quality preschool programs for their children.

  • Do I need previous experience to apply for a position as a Preschool Teaching Assistant?
    While prior experience working with children can be advantageous, many entry-level positions are available for applicants who are dedicated and show a willingness to learn. Volunteer work or internships can provide useful experience.

  • What types of employers hire Preschool Teaching Assistants?
    You may find work in various settings, including public and private preschools, daycare centers, Head Start programs, and community organizations focused on early childhood education.

  • How many hours a week do Preschool Teaching Assistants typically work?
    Most Preschool Teaching Assistants work part-time or full-time hours, usually between 20 to 40 hours a week. Hours can vary by institution and may include mornings, afternoons, and sometimes evenings.