Assistant Teacher

JOB SUMMARY:

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for supporting BSECDC's mission through the provision of high-quality early education and child development services. In collaboration with the Group Teacher, the Assistant Teacher will execute developmentally appropriate activities, cultivate a supportive classroom environment, and assess children's developmental progress. This role also entails the maintenance of records, communication with families, and collaboration with staff to ensure the well-being of all children. The Assistant Teacher is required to comply with all relevant regulations and BSECDC policies, as well as remain informed on current best practices in early childhood education.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate the execution of a structured learning environment and curriculum that foster developmental opportunities.

• Support the upkeep of classroom space and resources, and aid in the preparation for daily activities.

• Employ effective pedagogical techniques and positive behavior management strategies.

• Collaborate and engage in constructive communication with classroom personnel and families.

• Adhere to the established daily agenda and promote healthy practices.

• Aid the Lead Teacher with data collection and attendance tracking.

• Ensure consistent supervision, maintain appropriate group sizes and staff-to-child ratios, and uphold a secure and hygienic setting.

• Maintain regular attendance and actively participate in professional development activities.

• Support the completion of requisite data, documentation, and administrative tasks.

• Comply with all applicable organizational policies, procedures, legal mandates, and regulatory standards.

• Execute additional responsibilities as delegated.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or equivalent.

• New York State (NYS) Certified Teacher Assistant Certification or equivalent.

• Associate Degree in Education with active pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

• Fosters a supportive and nurturing educational milieu.

• Superior interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication proficiencies.

• Adept in utilizing Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of two years of experience working with preschool-aged children in a classroom or daycare setting. Experience should include planning and implementing age-appropriate activities, supervising children, and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment.

• Familiarity with child development theories and practices, as well as experience working with children from diverse backgrounds and abilities is highly valued.

• Additional experience working with preschoolers in a teaching assistant or volunteer role may also be considered.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Employees must be able to walk, sit, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl.

• Employees must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to forty pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to fifty pounds.

• Employees must be able to use their hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.

• Employees must have close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

BENEFITS:

• Health Insurance: A competitive health insurance plan to cover medical expenses.

• Retirement Plan: A retirement savings plan to help secure your financial future.

• Life Insurance: Life insurance coverage to provide financial protection for your loved ones.

• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick leave, and personal days to promote work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education and career advancement.

• Commuter Benefits: Potential discounts or subsidies for transportation costs.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues.

• Union Representation: Membership in DC 37, providing advocacy and support services.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Submission of three (3) professional references.

• Completion of mandated reporter training and acquisition of certification (renewal required every two years), along with adherence to other training requirements stipulated by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and Head Start Performance Standards (HSPS).

• Successful completion of a Comprehensive Background Clearance, encompassing:

  • Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) clearance.

  • Indentogo clearance.

  • Department of Education Fingerprinting Screening.

  • NYS Central Registry clearance.

  • Sex Offender Registry Clearance.

  • SEL check.

  • Provision of a full physical examination record, including an updated Tuberculosis test, and documentation of varicella, Tdap, and MMR vaccinations (fees may be applicable).

It is the policy of BSECDC to provide educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, alienage and citizenship status, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex) or prior record of arrest or convictions (except as provided by law), and to maintain an environment free of discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment, or retaliation, as required by civil rights law.