Assistant Teacher

What You'll Do

I.   Learning Environment and Teaching Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a positive, respectful, and encouraging learning environment, adhering to NAEYC guidelines.
• Create a safe, cheerful, and motivating atmosphere for children, enabling individual and group activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues to design and maintain a neat, clean, and orderly classroom, featuring stimulating learning centers and hands-on activities aligned with our curriculum.
• Supervise children during all activities, indoors and outdoors.
• Serve as a primary caregiver for assigned children and families.
• Contribute to planning classroom activities and Center events.
• Assist in the preparation, care, and stocking of classroom materials.
• Meet the physical, emotional, and personal needs of children, including toileting, diapering, feeding, washing, clothing, comforting, and preparing for rest.
• Develop a deep understanding of each child's individual needs, observing and recording growth and development using our approved developmental screening and assessment system.

II.    Parent Relationships

• Build strong relationships of trust through open, interactive communication.
• Develop a genuine connection with every child's parent(s), fostering positive communication.
• Ensure parents have access to relevant classroom information.
• Participate in parent involvement/engagement activities.
• Address parent concerns in a tactful and professional manner, in collaboration with the teacher.

III. Staff Communication

• Collaborate effectively with other classroom staff, Center Director, and Administrative staff and consultants.
• Provide support to new and substitute staff assigned to the classroom.

• Supervise and guide student staff and field workers in the teacher's absence.
• Share relevant information about classroom or child-related issues with supervisor and other classroom staff, as needed.

IV. Professionalism

• Uphold confidentiality.
• Regularly attend and participate in staff meetings and in-service programs.
• Pursue ongoing professional growth and development, completing a minimum of 15 hours of required ECE training per year.
• Maintain a current ASPIRE Professional Development listing.
• Hold current Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification.
• Support the Center and its Administration.
• Maintain a positive work climate.
• Project a professional image.
• In the absence of the lead teacher, assume the duties of the lead teacher.

V. General

• Adhere to daily schedules and routines.
• Follow Center policies, practices, and procedures.

•  Maintain accurate records as required.

• Occasionally take responsibility for a group of children without assistance.
• Comply with all licensing regulations.
• Regularly report to work on time and maintain a consistent attendance record.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent, with preference given to those holding a Child Development Associate (CDA) or 12 credits in early childhood education.

Candidate must be at least 18 years old. One year of experience working with young children is required.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to provide exceptional customer service to a diverse range of customers.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with NYS child care regulations.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and age-appropriate activities aligned with NAEYC guidelines.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, colleagues, and parents.
• Ability to employ constructive methods for maintaining group control and individual behaviors.
• Sound judgment and tact.
• Strong team player.
• Flexibility, especially in scheduling and responding to program needs.
• Creativity and patience.

Benefits