Provides care and supervision for children at preschool centres under the direction of early childhood (pre-primary school) teachers.

Demonstrates, supervises and participates in activities which enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children in schools and pre-school centres; prepares indoor and outdoor areas for learning and recreational activities; assists children with intellectual, physical and behavioural difficulties with their academic studies; assists children individually to learn social skills; assists with preparing teaching aids, and copying and collating written and printed material; distributes and collects lesson materials.

• Works indoors and sometimes outdoors in preschools. Frequently works with individual students or small groups of children within class area who require additional assistance.
• Works in adequately heated and ventilated spaces when indoors. Works outdoors occasionally but generally only when the weather is fine.
• May work with some special needs students who have significant behaviour management issues.

• Sedentary to light with occasional medium physical demand.
• Frequently stands and walks about the facility when monitoring, caring for and interacting with children.
• Sits frequently when reading stories to children, playing certain games and updating children’s records.
• Stretching up and reaching across may be required when interacting with children.
• Bending squatting, crouching and kneeling is likely to be occasionally required when communicating with children.
• Twisting of the body or neck may be required but is not a significant requirement in this role.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is likely on an occasional basis.
• Lifting, carrying and holding is likely to be occasionally required when caring for children.
• Repetitive movement of the hands may be required occasionally.
• Driving may be required occasionally but is not a significant component of the job.
• Use of hand-held objects/materials will include children’s toys, books, play equipment, nappies and cleaning products and computers for record keeping.
• Mental skills necessary include assessment, computing, decision-making, good communication skills with cultural sensitivity and knowledge.

A New Zealand Register Level 5 or 6 qualification or at least three years relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be all that is necessary.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.