Assistant Teacher

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations.
• Follow all Child Care Center policies, procedures, health and safety practices, and licensing requirements.
• Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Assist with the implementation of developmentally appropriate classroom activities, routines, and learning experiences planned by the Lead Teacher.
• Actively supervise children at all times and help maintain required staff-to-child ratios.
• Engage with children throughout the day through play, conversation, exploration, and developmentally appropriate interactions.
• Support children’s social‑emotional development and use positive, supportive behavior guidance strategies.
• Assist children with toileting, diapering, handwashing, feeding, dressing, rest, and other personal care needs as appropriate.
• Develop warm, responsive, and supportive relationships with children that promote safety, belonging, independence, and development.
• Assist with classroom transitions, meals and snacks, rest periods, outdoor play, and other daily routines.
• Follow all Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements and Center procedures related to meals and snacks.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, and Center operations.
• Attend staff meetings and required professional development and complete all training requirements within established timelines.
• Maintain all required clearances, certifications, health documentation, and training records.
• Immediately communicate accidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, health concerns, licensing concerns, or other significant incidents to the Lead Teacher and/or Director.
• Assist with special activities, Center events, walks, field trips, and other programming as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers, administrators, substitutes, student interns, and other Center staff.
• Provide classroom coverage and assist in other classrooms as needed to maintain safe operations and required staffing ratios.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher or Child Care Center Director.

General Responsibilities

Demonstrate a genuine interest in and commitment to working with young children. Maintain a warm, patient, responsive, and professional demeanor.

Organizational Relationships

The Assistant Teacher is part of the Child Care Center of Finger Lakes Community College Association.

Employment Standards

Candidates must meet all applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services requirements for the position and age group served.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education and/or experience in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field.
• Previous experience working with young children in a group setting.

Benefits

• Medical insurance (FLCC Association covers 75%).
• Dental insurance (FLCC Association covers 100% of employee).
• Vision insurance.
• TIAA Retirement with 3% matching by the FLCC Association.
• Meal benefit and/or Health Reimbursement Account.
• Employee benefits cover the cost of one class at Finger Lakes Community College per semester.
• Yearly performance evaluation with cost‑of‑living adjustments.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $16 – $18.50 per hour, depending on experience, training, and education.

Schedule

Full‑time hourly position, 52 weeks per year, 40 hours per week. Includes 80 hours of annual sick time and 120 hours of allocated vacation leave.