Substitute Assistant Teacher

About the role

The Brooklyn Kindergarten Society (BKS) is a 130-year-old organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education to working families in Brooklyn. We offer full-day, year-round programs for children aged 2-5, focusing on a play-based curriculum that integrates reading, writing, movement, music, and STEAM learning.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Early Childhood Education Teacher and Teacher Aide in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the classroom, playground, or any area of the center.
• Share ideas and observations from classroom time with the classroom team to assist in future assessment and development of curriculum.
• Aid in the implementation of program policies and procedures, and communicate with support and supervisory staff.
• Maintain statutory required teacher-child ratios in the classroom during program operation.
• Create a warm and inclusive environment where children and families feel welcome.
• Model developmentally appropriate activities and positive behavior management techniques.
• Engage children in enriched conversations throughout the day, including toileting and maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly classroom.
• Supervise children during classroom procedures, including transitions, routines, and small groups.
• Identify and coach children through conflicts using problem-solving skills.
• Keep full-time staff informed about classroom, children, and family developments.
• Understand and adhere to BKS policies and procedures, and comply with required documentation and record-keeping responsibilities.
• Report to work at assigned times, at all sites and classrooms as needed.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent, with an associate’s degree preferred or currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
• Desire to work with children and low-income families in a multilingual and multicultural setting, with specialized training for dealing with this specific age group.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and effective communication abilities, both oral and written.
• Classroom teaching experience.
• Knowledge of child development and sensitivity to the needs and characteristics of young children and families.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of working with young children, including walking up and down stairs, sitting on the floor, and lifting a child.
• An adaptable schedule to work as needed between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM during program operation.