Assistant Teacher (Infant and Toddler Group)

YWCA WHITE PLAINS AND CENTRAL WESTCHESTER•City of White Plains, NY

35d•$18 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

As a Toddler Assistant Teacher at the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, you’ll do more than care for toddlers—you’ll help lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and belonging. Using The Creative Curriculum® for Toddlers, you’ll help design nurturing, play-based experiences that promote exploration, secure attachments, and developmental growth. Each day, you’ll guide routines like feeding, diapering, and rest with intention, while sparking curiosity through music, storytelling, and sensory play. You’ll build strong relationships with families, support individual learning journeys, and be part of a mission-driven team committed to equity, excellence, and the power of early childhood education.

Requirements

Minimum: High School Diploma or Equivalent.
Minimum of 1 year experience working with toddlers in a licensed early childhood setting
Ability to work effectively within a diverse team and with families from a wide range of backgrounds
Must meet all NYS OCFS licensing requirements including: Fingerprinting/background clearance, Medical and TB screening, Pediatric First Aid & CPR (or willingness to complete upon hire)
Knowledge of child development, curriculum planning.
Good communication skills required.
Good interpersonal skills required.

Nice To Haves

Preferred: Toddler/Toddler CDA credential, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field

Responsibilities

Build secure, trusting relationships by observing and responding to each toddler’s cues, needs, and interests with warmth and consistency.
Assist the Head Teacher to plan and facilitate daily routines and intentional activities grounded in The Creative Curriculum® that promote cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional development.
Maintain an engaging, safe, and sensory-rich classroom environment that supports exploration and individualized learning.
Use ongoing observation to document developmental milestones, inform lesson planning, and partner with families to support each child’s unique growth.
Ensure the physical well-being of all toddlers through safe diapering, feeding, napping, and hygiene practices that meet or exceed OCFS regulations.
Adhere to NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practices and Accreditation Criteria to ensure high-quality early childhood programming.
Establish open, respectful communication with families using tools like Brightwheel to share daily updates, progress notes, and developmental insights in a culturally responsive manner.
Work collaboratively with co-teachers and supervisors, contribute to a positive team culture, and participate in required trainings and professional development.
Uphold the YWCA mission by creating an inclusive classroom where every child and family is valued and represented.