Full Time Assistant Teacher

First Learning; Town of Amherst (NY); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Care-a-lot Child Care in Town of Amherst, NY is seeking a dedicated classroom assistant to help supervise a group of children and provide a safe, nurturing, educational environment.

You will follow NYS licensing regulations and NAEYC guidelines, support daily activities, and communicate with families. A high school diploma and a commitment to early childhood development are required, with 15 hours training within 6 months.

Qualifications

• Observe and respond to children's needs and emergencies.
• Maintain health and safety according to NYS rules.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication.
• Support development across social, physical, emotional and cognitive areas.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing an age-appropriate program aligned with NAEYC.
• Maintain a clean, organized classroom with learning centers.
• Supervise children and maintain positive relationships with families.
• Record classroom activities and maintain documentation.
• Support new staff and substitute staff as needed.

Skills

Observation and safety awareness

Strong communication skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability and patience

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Purpose:

To be responsible for assisting in the general supervision and management of a classroom of children by performing the duties necessary to provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating and educational environment. This includes allowing the children to grow at their own pace and gain in social, physical, emotional and cognitive development.

Reports To:

Classroom Head Teacher or Teacher

Supervises:

Self

Requirements:

• Able to observe, see, hear and respond to children's needs, emergencies and conflicts that might occur in a classroom, on the playground, other Center areas, or on field trips
• Able to lift approximately 30 pounds from the floor to a waist high table 25 - 30 times daily
• Able to reach a child 20 - 30 feet away within 30 seconds
• Able to crouch to a child's height, maintain eye contact at the child's level, and sit on the floor for extended periods of time on a regular basis
• Good health as confirmed by a physician's statement and proof of being free of tuberculosis
• New York State Registry clearance
• Criminal History Fingerprint clearance
• Be at least 18 years of age

Responsibilities:

• Adhering to all policies and procedures of Care-a-lot Child Care and the child care licensing regulations of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services
• The care, safety and well-being of all children in the classroom, including attending to children's personal needs, e.g., diapering, toileting, feeding, washing, clothing, comforting, preparing for rest
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of an age-appropriate, open-ended program which coincides with the philosophy of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• Assisting in preparing an inviting, clean and organized classroom environment with learning centers and hands-on activities which coincides with the philosophy of NAEYC
• Interacting frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive and encouraging manner which follows the guidelines of NAEYC
• Orienting and actively supervising children by overseeing both small and large groups of children
• Developing parent relationships and communicating directly with parents on a regular basis
• Maintaining classroom records and keeping necessary written documentation
• Maintaining a positive work climate
• Communicating effectively and directly with other staff
• Assisting new and substitute staff assigned to the classroom
• Assisting supervisor and rendering staff support to all other classrooms and employees as necessary
• Assisting in the maintenance, general housekeeping and repair of assigned areas and common space
• Performing administrative duties as necessary for the classroom and Center operations
• Serving in the absence of the Head Teacher or Teacher as necessary

Completing 15 hours of early childhood training within the first 6 months and every year thereafter

Maintaining current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of NYS child care regulations
• Increasing knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and age appropriate activities which correspond with NAEYC guidelines
• Effective and tactful oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with children, co-workers, and parents
• Increasing ability to use constructive methods for maintaining group control and individual behaviors
• Ability to use sound judgment and tactAbility to work as a team member
• Flexibility (especially in scheduling and practice to respond to the needs of the program)
• Creativity and patience

Training and Experience:

• High School Diploma or its equivalent, AND
• A commitment to working with young children in a manner that will encourage the children's emotional, social, physical and intellectual development, as outlined by NAEYC guidelines, AND
• At least one (1) year of related work experience with children is preferred.