UPK Teaching Assistant (Watervliet)

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area; City of Watervliet (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid school holidays and breaks

401(k) w/match

Health and dental insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Employees Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area is seeking a Universal Prekindergarten Teaching Assistant to support the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher at Watervliet Elementary School. This full-time role involves collaborating on lesson planning, implementing classroom activities, and ensuring a nurturing environment for children aged 3-4 years old.

The ideal candidate should have an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and experience in an educational setting. Benefits include sick leave, health insurance, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with young children in an educational setting is desirable.
• Experience working in an Early Childhood setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation of weekly lesson plans based on the approved curriculum.
• Work collaboratively with the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher to implement planned lessons.
• Engage in regular communication and coordination with the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Proficient with Google Office Suite

Ability to prioritize tasks

Education

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Universal Prekindergarten Teaching Assistant

Work Location: Watervliet Elementary School

Reports to: UPK Director

Salary Range: $16.50/hour

Hours & Schedule: Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours/week

Classification: Full-Time Non-Exempt

Full-Time Benefits: Paid school holidays and breaks, sick leave, 401(k) w/match, health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, New York Paid Family Leave benefits, retirement benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), and eligibility for additional third-party discounts.

Note: This is a 10-month position (August 2025 - June 2026) with BGCCA, working in collaboration with the Watervliet City School District (WCSD).

Overview Of Your Role

The primary function of the Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant will be to play a vital role in supporting the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher in planning, developing, and instructing students 3-4 years of age. This role will follow the approved Watervliet City School District (WCSD) curriculum goals, standards, and learning objectives to create a nurturing and stimulating academic and social-emotional environment. The assistant will work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and be responsible for assisting with classroom management and program delivery.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation and submission of weekly lesson plans based on the approved curriculum and individual student needs.
• Collaborate with the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher to ensure all necessary materials and resources are prepared for classroom activities.
• Deliver creative and hands-on classroom activities aligned with predetermined units of study and student needs.
• Utilize the Learning Without Tears curriculum in conjunction with the 2nd-Step program to facilitate academic and social-emotional development.
• Participate in offered Professional Development opportunities by the Watervliet City School District and the BGCCA.
• Work collaboratively with the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher to implement planned lessons and activities.
• Complete progress reports, attendance, progress monitoring, summary/goal sheets, and monthly updates, and complete any additional required paperwork in a timely manner.
• Provide support and guidance to ensure effective classroom instruction.
• Engage in regular communication and coordination with the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher and other team members.
• Adhere to and enforce health and safety regulations and policies established by the school district.
• Maintain a safe and secure learning environment for students, actively monitoring and addressing potential hazards.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Preferred: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Prior experience working with young children in an educational setting is desirable
• Experience working in an Early Childhood setting

Certifications

• Teaching Assistant Certification, or currently enrolled in a certification program
• Mandated Reporter Certification
• CPR and First Aid Training

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Proficient with Google Office Suite or related software
• Must pass a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and sex offender registry check, as required by BGCCA

Work Environment

• Early childhood classroom environment with moderate noise levels from children's activities. Indoor school setting with standard classroom temperature control.

Travel Required

• Minimal travel required – occasional attendance at off-site professional development or district meetings

Physical Requirements

• Standing/walking for up to 7 hours per day
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Fine motor coordination for computer work
• Regular verbal communication with children, staff, and parents
• Visual acuity to monitor children's activities and safety

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce. Persons from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community, are encouraged to apply.