Assistant Teacher

Position Summary

The Assistant Teacher partners with the teaching team to support the delivery of high-quality early childhood education that promotes children's development, school readiness, and long-term success.

Working under the direction of the Education Director and in collaboration with the Lead Teacher, this role helps implement evidence-based curricula, individualized instruction, and nurturing learning environments while ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Article 47 regulations, Universal Preschool Guidelines, and site-specific funding requirements.

Reporting to the Education Director, the Assistant Teacher is accountable for supporting classroom instruction, child assessment, family engagement, health and safety practices, and continuous quality improvement in alignment with the mission, values, and educational goals of Children's Aid.

Children’s Aid Mission

To help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive support to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods.

Culture and Values

• Put children, youth, and families first
• Serve and transform communities
• Strive for excellence
• Power through collaboration
• Drive by compassion

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Teacher in implementing evidence-based curricula that promote children's development and school readiness.
• Promote high-quality teaching and learning experiences that support children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Create an environment where children develop trusting and respectful relationships with adults and peers.
• Aid in implementing developmentally appropriate, integrated learning experiences that encourage exploration and discovery.
• Provide responsive care through individualized planning, instruction, and supervision.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials and resources for daily lessons, activities, and projects.
• Maintain an inviting, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment, including learning centers and displays.
• Conduct small-group learning activities under the guidance of the Lead Teacher.
• Monitor student progress during small-group instruction and provide observations and feedback to the Lead Teacher.
• Provide individualized support to children requiring additional assistance.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and appropriate classroom accommodations.
• Reinforce classroom expectations and support a positive, inclusive learning environment.
• Address behavioral challenges using positive guidance strategies and seek support from the Lead Teacher or Education Director as needed.
• Support the appropriate integration of technology into classroom instruction and learning activities.
• Assist in administering and scoring child assessments to monitor developmental progress.
• Provide ongoing feedback to the Lead Teacher regarding children's strengths and areas requiring additional support.
• Maintain accurate child records, including screening and assessment documentation.
• Observe and document children's development to identify potential concerns and communicate recommendations to the Lead Teacher and/or Education Director.
• Promote positive family engagement through regular communication, classroom activities, newsletters, bulletin boards, and an open-door philosophy.
• Support recruitment efforts by participating in community outreach, recruitment events, and program promotion activities.
• Participate in all required agency trainings, workshops, in-service days, conferences, and professional development activities.
• Maintain required certifications and documentation of professional learning.
• Participate in program-wide goal setting, self-assessment, coaching, reflection activities, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Complete all required Early Childhood trainings.
• Maintain active membership with Aspire and/or a registered TEACH account linked to Children's Aid.
• Adhere to all applicable Head Start Performance Standards, DOHMH Article 47 regulations, Universal Preschool Guidelines, licensing requirements, teacher-child ratios, and agency policies.
• Maintain required certifications, including CPR/First Aid, Child Abuse Mandated Reporter, Infection Control, and Mental Health First Aid, as applicable.
• Maintain a clean, safe, healthy, and organized classroom environment, including reporting damaged equipment or safety concerns.
• Comply with all applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA.
• Understand and promote Children's Aid's mission, values, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• The Assistant Teacher must meet all applicable Federal Head Start Performance Standards, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Article 47 regulations, and Universal Preschool Guidelines.
• Candidates Must Meet One Of The Following Qualification Levels:
• Assistant Teacher I: Associate's degree (or equivalent college credits) in any field. Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or enrollment in a CDA program that will be completed within two (2) years of hire as a condition of employment.
• Assistant Teacher II: Bachelor's degree in any field. Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or enrollment in a CDA program that will be completed within two (2) years of hire as a condition of employment.
• Assistant Teacher III: Master's degree in any field. Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or enrollment in a CDA program that will be completed within two (2) years of hire as a condition of employment.

Pay

Hourly Salary: $21.24 - $22.72 / hour

Schedule

The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.