Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher

Grandsettlement; New York (NY); On-site; USD 33,440 - 38,693; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

24 vacation days

401k plan with 5% employer contribution

$3,500 sign-on bonus

$1,500 retention bonus

Job summary

Grandsettlement is seeking an Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher for the Early Head Start program in New York City. The role involves assisting the Lead Teacher in fostering a nurturing and engaging environment for infants and toddlers while supporting their growth and development.

The ideal candidate will possess an Infant/Toddler CDA credential or relevant college credits, with experience caring for young children and families. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, substantial vacation days, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong experience working with families with diverse developmental needs.
• Capability to maintain written records and manage time effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership in collaborative environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher in creating a nurturing classroom environment.
• Support children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development.
• Document children’s growth and communicate with Lead Teacher.

Skills

Experience with children ages birth to three

Ability to lift children up to 35 lbs

Bilingual English/Albanian or Spanish

Education

Infant/Toddler CDA credential or 12 college credits in Early Childhood Education

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher (Early Head Start Teacher)

DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood

LOCATION(S): Bronx, Manhattan or Brooklyn

REPORTS TO: Site Director

SALARY RANGE: $33,440.45 – $38,693.21 annually (based on credentials)

Benefits include family/health insurance; 24 vacation days (includes planned program closures); life insurance; 401k plan with 5% Employer Contribution; 4 personal days and 12 sick days; $3,500 sign‑on bonus and $1,500 retention bonus; scholarships and ongoing professional development opportunities.

SCHEDULE: Monday‑Friday, 8am‑4pm or 9am‑5pm (scheduled based on program needs).

Job Summary

Assist Lead Teacher in creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment where infants and toddlers grow, explore, and thrive. Build strong foundations through meaningful interactions, engaging activities, and responsive care. Work closely with families and fellow educators to support each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development in a safe and joyful classroom setting. Collaborate with a dedicated team of professionals to lay the foundation for lifelong success.

Education, Experience, and Skill Requirements

• Required Infant/Toddler CDA credential OR 12 college credits toward an approved program in Early Childhood Education and currently enrolled.
• Experience working with children ages birth to three and their families.
• Enjoy working with children and families with diverse developmental, social, and cultural needs.
• Maintain written records and manage time effectively.
• Work collaboratively and demonstrate leadership.
• Ability to lift children up to 35 lbs.
• Bilingual English/Albanian or Spanish strongly preferred.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Successfully clear NYS DOI Fingerprint Screening, NYS Central Registry Clearance, Sex Offender Registry Clearance, 3 reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, Tdap, MMR, varicella (fees may apply).
• Obtain a Mandated Reporter training certificate (every 2 years) and comply with agency’s policy regarding identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.
• Obtain a First Aid/CPR and Preventive Infectious Diseases certificate within the first year of employment.
• Meet all employee health requirements in Article 47 (DOHMH) and Head Start Performance Standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Help create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and healthy learning environment for all children in accordance with EHS and DOHMH regulations through regular monitoring of classroom spaces and equipment.
• Support planning and implementation of engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that nurture each child’s emotional, social, physical, cognitive, and language development while promoting overall health and well‑being.
• Collaborate closely with classroom teams and coordinators to ensure every child’s individual goals and developmental milestones are achieved.
• Assist in maintaining clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate learning materials and environments that encourage creativity, exploration, and independent learning.
• Foster trusting relationships by maintaining confidentiality and professionalism regarding child, family, and classroom information.
• Observe and communicate children’s developmental progress, health, and behavioral needs with the Lead Teacher to ensure children receive the support they need to thrive.
• Partner with teaching staff in documenting children’s growth and planning curriculum aligned with EHS and GSS school readiness goals, including ongoing assessment using Teaching Strategies GOLD three times per year.
• Participate actively in weekly team meetings, multidisciplinary case conferences, and parent meetings to strengthen collaboration and support student success.
• Build strong, positive partnerships with families by maintaining open communication and creating meaningful opportunities for parent engagement.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and staff to provide families with valuable insights into child development and individualized learning progress.
• Support developmental and behavioral screenings within 45 days of enrollment and assist with follow‑up services to ensure every child receives appropriate support.
• Collaborate with specialists and families to create inclusive learning experiences that support children with diagnosed special needs.
• Conduct home visits and parent‑teacher conferences to celebrate children’s achievements, discuss developmental progress, and establish meaningful school readiness goals together with families.
• Uphold all state regulations and agency policies related to child safety, wellness, and mandated reporting responsibilities.
• Engage in coaching opportunities, professional development trainings, and ongoing learning experiences to continuously strengthen teaching practices and leadership skills.
• Participate in annual performance evaluations to establish and achieve both short‑ and long‑term professional goals.
• Attend and contribute to all required trainings, meetings, and collaborative initiatives that support program excellence.
• Contribute enthusiastically to special projects and additional responsibilities that help strengthen the program and enrich children’s learning experiences.