Assistant Teacher

Whitney Young Jr Campus (1919 Prospect Ave)

$38,657 - $41, 348 / year

Early Childhood (EC) Division at Children's Aid (CA) is founded on the belief that strong communities are built by children and families who have the access and skills and choice to create pathways to their success. The Early Childhood Department serves over 700 low-income children ages 0-5 and their families in schools and community centers throughout Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx through a combination of Federal, State and City funding. We believe that strong communities are built by children and families who have access, skills and choice to create pathways to their success.

Each Assistant Teacher will work with their teaching team to ensure that all children reach developmentally appropriate milestones through the implementation of evidence-based curricula, individualized support, and high-quality learning environments. Assistant Teachers will focus on making sure that all the children and families will be ready to be successful in Kindergarten and in life while ensuring that all Head Start Performance Standards and site-specific funding regulations are met or exceeded.

Essential Duties: Under the direct supervision of the site's Education Director, the Assistant Teacher's responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with the following:

Strategic Oversight

• Understand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Support the lead teacher in implementing strategies that align with educational goals and organizational standards.

Curriculum Implementation

• Promote high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that leads to children's school readiness
• Create an environment in which children develop trusting and accepting relationships with adults and peers that foster growth and development
• Design and execute a developmentally appropriate and integrated curriculum which provides opportunities for children's meaningful exploration
• Provide responsive care to all children through individualized planning, instruction, and supervision

Classroom Preparation

• Prepare and organize materials and resources needed for daily lessons, activities, and projects
• Set up and maintain an inviting and conducive learning environment, including the arrangement of learning centers and displays

Small Group Instruction

• Conduct small group activities under the guidance of the lead teacher to reinforce lesson concepts and provide additional support to students as needed
• Monitor and assess student progress during small group sessions, providing feedback to the lead teacher

Individualized Instruction

• Work one-on-one with students who may require extra assistance, ensuring they receive personalized attention to meet their specific learning needs
• Collaborate with the lead teacher to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and accommodate students with diverse abilities

Behavioral Support:

• Support the lead teacher in maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom environment by reinforcing classroom rules and expectations
• Address behavioral challenges by employing positive reinforcement strategies and seeking guidance from the lead teacher or school administration

Technology Integration

• Support the integration of technology tools into the curriculum, helping students with educational software and assisting in managing technology resources within the classroom.

Record Maintenance, Screening and Assessment

• Assist in the administration and scoring of assessments to track student progress and contribute to the overall assessment process
• Provide feedback to the lead teacher on student performance and areas that may require additional focus
• Oversee and maintain accurate records on each child including overseeing screening and assessment tools
• Observe and document students' development to request additional support from lead teacher and or Educational Director

Family Engagement

• Encourage parent involvement and communication through newsletters, bulletin boards, classroom events, center-wide activities, and "open-door" policy
• Participate in home visits, Parent/Teacher conferences, Open Houses, and/or Family Days, depending on the center and the funding requirements
• Recruit new families for our program through tabling, advertising in the school community, and hosting recruitment events

Data Analysis

• Collect, analyze, and report on data related to student progress and classroom activities to inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Utilize data to identify trends, gaps, and areas for improvement in instructional practices and student support.

Professional Development

• Participate and attend all agency offered trainings, workshops, In-Service days, and/or All-Staff conferences
• Maintain certification requirement and proof of attendance in professional activities
• Support the growth of the center including participating in program-wide goal setting and individual and program self-assessment
• Complete all Early Childhood required trainings
• Engage in self-assessment and reflection coaching experiences such as completing self-assessment surveys, video recording, coaching, and collaboration sessions
• Maintain active membership with Aspire and or "Registered" TEACH Account linked to CA

Health and Safety

• Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements, teacher child/ratios, CPR/first aid, Child Abuse Mandate, Infectious Control, and Mental Health First Aid certification
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment for children (i.e. clean toys, shelves, neat classrooms, reported damaged / broken equipment toys, etc.)
• Must abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.

Minimum Qualifications: The Assistant Teacher must have qualifications that satisfy Federal Head Start requirements, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Article 47 regulations, and Universal Preschool Guidelines.

Depending on one's education and certification, an Assistant Teacher may fall into one of the following categories:

Assistant Teacher I: Must possess an Associate's Degree or equivalent credits (in any area) and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or be enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within 2 years, which is a condition of employment that cannot be extended.

Assistant Teacher II: Must possess a Bachelor's Degree (in any area) and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or be enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within 2 years, which is a condition of employment that cannot be extended.

Assistant Teacher III: Must possess a Master's Degree (in any area) and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or be enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within 2 years, which is a condition of employment that cannot be extended.

Key Competencies:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Two years' experience working with infants and toddlers, and children with special needs
• Dedicated, excited and passionate about teaching and learning with young children
• Professional approach with effective communication skills.
• Reflective on own teaching practice and willing to develop and increase capacity
• Must abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not to tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.