Early years teaching assistant

About this occupation

Early years teaching assistants support the early years teacher in an early years or nursery school. They assist in class instruction, in classroom supervision in absence of the head teacher, and in organising, developing and putting into practice of the daily schedule. Early years teaching assistants monitor and help students in group as well as individually, and tend to focus on the students in need of extra care and attention the early years teacher cannot provide.

• Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
• Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
• Teach social skills to students.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.

Typical education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Social, Conventional, Enterprising

Top skills: Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Coordination, Service Orientation

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
• PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.8)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.5)
• SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.