PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASSISTANT

About the role

The Teacher Assistant assists the classroom teacher in carrying out the academic and behavioral objectives set forth in the child’s IEP by providing direct instructional services to students and performing non-teaching support duties under the supervision of the classroom teacher.

Responsibilities

• Assume primary responsibility for the class in the absence of the teacher.
• If bilingual, works with Spanish dominant children creating an “alternative placement” for children who need a bilingual placement.
• Calls parents when language is an issue.
• Works with individual pupils or groups of pupils on special instructional projects or assignments.
• Collects and prepares instructional materials as directed by the teacher.
• Assists with crisis intervention and classroom supervision.
• Assists teacher in the development of instructional behavioral objectives for IEPs.
• Assists teacher with recordkeeping, such as tracking attendance.
• Assists in maintaining order and cleanliness of the classroom.
• Participates in In-Service training, staff and team meetings.
• Writes in notebooks and/or translates for parents.
• Toilet trains children, changes diapers and cleans children as necessary.
• Provides physical “hands‑on” intervention when necessary.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Level I or higher NYS Teaching Assistant Certification
• Experience working with preschoolers preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Complete the mandatory 2 hours of training in child abuse and maltreatment identification, reporting, and prevention as well as the requirements of applicable statutes and regulations
• Complete mandatory CTLE requirements as per certification held

Skills

• Able to lift a child weighing 40 pounds
• Able to provide "hands‑on" intervention if necessary
• Required to communicate clearly and effectively
• Required to stand; use mobility and reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel or crouch
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Schedule

Full‑time position, 35 hours per week (part‑time also possible).