EHS Toddler Assistant Teacher

Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency; Town of Herkimer (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community action agency in New York is seeking an Assistant Teacher to supervise children and work collaboratively with families to implement child-centered educational programs. Ideal candidates will hold a current Infant/Toddler CDA or a degree in Early Childhood. Responsibilities include ensuring safety, developing lesson plans, and supporting children's development through active engagement in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to travel to sites and attend trainings.
• Must communicate effectively and maintain records.
• Basic computer literacy required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and security of children.
• Develop and implement lesson plans in cooperation with the Teacher.
• Assist with assessments and individual planning for children.

Skills

Supervision of children

Communication with families

Child-centered curriculum implementation

Behavioral support

Education

Current Infant/Toddler CDA or degree in Early Childhood

Job description

Basic Function

The Assistant Teacher will work collaboratively with the classroom team, including parent(s)/guardian(s), families, volunteers, and other classroom staff to ensure the successful operation of the classroom and implementation of the curriculum to achieve outcomes for children. Assumes the role of the Teacher in their absence.

Responsibilities

Provide direct and competent supervision to ensure the safety and security of children at all times in accordance with Head Start, NY State Office of Children and Families regulations and MVCAA, Inc. Supervision of Children policy in the classroom, during outdoor experiences and field trips. Establish positive, healthy, and professional relationships with families. Attend to the physical needs of the children (diapering, toileting, feeding, resting, rocking and holding). Implement a child‑centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self‑motivation to promote development in all domains. Provide children with a consistent classroom routine in accordance with the Creative Curriculum. Interact with children in accordance with the CLASS observation tool (Head Start classrooms only). Develop and implement at least one week of lesson plans per month in cooperation with the Teacher, parents, and families. Assist the Teacher with developmental and behavioral screenings on all children within 45 days of entrance into the program, utilizing results for individualized planning and referrals. Assist with developing an individual plan for each child, including goal setting based on identified needs and activities to meet established outcomes. Distribute monthly homework to each child and family to advance individual goals. Collect, encourage, track, and submit homework monthly. Integrate Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) for children with documented disabilities. Record children’s progress for accurate assessments at 3–4 points per year and individualize curriculum. Analyze classroom‑level child outcome data and implement a plan to promote greater outcomes in partnership with parents. Address challenging behaviors by observing causes, implementing preventive measures, teaching new social and communication skills, and partnering with families. Implement the Second Step Curriculum to promote children’s social and emotional skills. Participate in meals to model good nutrition and social skills for children ages birth to 5. Identify and encourage families who wish to volunteer or act as substitutes; secure substitutes for all absences. Complete custodial duties not provided by the lease agreement. Understand and document in‑kind and other allowable costs toward the non‑federal share requirement. Demonstrate commitment to mission, values, and policies in daily duties. Support MVCAA, Inc. Supervision of Children policy and perform other duties as assigned to ensure program success.

Qualifications

Current Infant/Toddler CDA, OR Associate, Bachelor’s, or advanced degree in Early Childhood with infant/toddler coursework. Ability to travel to all sites, attend training and home visits as required. Communicate effectively with children and families while maintaining accurate records. Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality and privacy. Adhere to agency personnel policies and procedures. Attend required trainings and meetings. Basic computer literacy (email, word processing, internet). Knowledge and experience working with families and children from low‑income backgrounds and diverse cultures. Background check, fingerprint screen, annual physical exam, and TB clearance. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and move throughout classroom, building, and outdoor venues. Interact with children at their developmental level.

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