Assistant Teacher (Full-Time)

Rothschild Early Childhood Center; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

RECC in Syracuse, NY, is seeking an Assistant Teacher to support the Lead Teacher in daily classroom activities and to maintain a safe, engaging learning environment for children from six weeks to five years old.

The role is ideal for someone building experience in early childhood education, with responsibilities including lesson planning, supervision, routine support, and thorough documentation of children’s progress.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• 2 years’ experience working with children in a child care, camp, or educational setting preferred.
• Current or willingness to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 30 days of hire.
• Meets background check/clearance requirements.
• Reliable, dependable, and able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Patience, enthusiasm, and a caring, positive attitude toward young children.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher in preparing and carrying out daily lesson plans and activities.
• Help supervise children during all classroom activities, meals, rest time, and outdoor play.
• Support children with daily routines, including diapering/toileting, hand-washing, and mealtimes.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Assist in observing and documenting children’s progress and behavior.
• Communicate warmly and appropriately with children, supporting their social-emotional development.
• Support the Lead Teacher with classroom management and behavior guidance strategies.
• Assist with setup and cleanup of classroom materials and activity stations.
• Step in to lead the classroom in the Lead Teacher’s brief absence, as needed.
• Follow all facility policies, licensing regulations, and health/safety protocols.

Skills

Patience

Caring attitude

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Early Childhood Education coursework/degree preferred

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Job description

RECC is committed to the ongoing growth of its teaching staff and the quality of its programs. Throughout the year, teachers receive child development training through Child Care Solutions, our licensing and resource agency, as well as through local colleges, and regularly attend seminars led by education and health care professionals. Every lead teacher is trained and qualified in the specific area of early childhood development they teach, and many staff members have been part of the RECC team for three years or more, some since the center first opened.

Our programs are designed to support children from six weeks to five years old, meeting them exactly where they are developmentally. The curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach and is built around the needs and interests of both the individual child and the group as a whole.

Position Summary

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in implementing daily classroom activities, maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment, and meeting the individual needs of each child. This role is ideal for someone building experience in early childhood education.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher in preparing and carrying out daily lesson plans and activities
• Help supervise children during all classroom activities, meals, rest time, and outdoor play
• Support children with daily routines, including diapering/toileting, hand-washing, and mealtimes
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment
• Assist in observing and documenting children’s progress and behavior
• Communicate warmly and appropriately with children, supporting their social-emotional development
• Support the Lead Teacher with classroom management and behavior guidance strategies
• Assist with setup and cleanup of classroom materials and activity stations
• Step in to lead the classroom in the Lead Teacher’s brief absence, as needed
• Follow all facility policies, licensing regulations, and health/safety protocols

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or degree in Early Childhood Education preferred
• 2 years’ experience working with children in a child care, camp, or educational setting preferred
• Current or willingness to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 30 days of hire
• Meets background check/clearance requirements
• Reliable, dependable, and able to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Patience, enthusiasm, and a caring, positive attitude toward young children

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Ability to sit, kneel, bend, and stand for extended periods
• Ability to actively supervise children indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions