Assistant Teacher - Toddler (Association)

Finger Lakes Community College • Canandaigua, NY

2d

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for toddlers. The role participates in classroom routines, supervision, learning experiences, and child care while helping maintain a positive learning-through-play environment. The Assistant Teacher reports to the Child Care Center Director and works under the daily direction of the classroom Lead Teacher, collaborating with other Center staff.

The position is a full-time, hourly role working 40 hours per week for 52 weeks per year. The hourly rate is $16–$18.50, depending on experience, training, and education. Candidates must meet applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services requirements for the position and age group served. Preferred qualifications include education and/or experience in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field, and previous experience working with young children in a group setting.

Employees must complete and maintain required background clearances, health documentation, orientation, training, and professional development in accordance with OCFS regulations and Center policies. Performance is evaluated yearly, with cost-of-living adjustments.

Requirements

• Meet all applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services requirements for the position and age group served.
• Complete and maintain required background clearances, health documentation, orientation, training, and professional development in accordance with OCFS regulations and Center policies.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in and commitment to working with young children.
• Demonstrate reliability and consistent attendance.
• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate as part of a classroom and Center-wide team.
• Maintain a warm, patient, responsive, and professional demeanor.
• Accept direction and feedback from the Lead Teacher and Child Care Center administration.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality with children, families, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an active early childhood environment.

Nice To Haves

• Education and/or experience in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field.
• Previous experience working with young children in a group setting.

Responsibilities

• Follow applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulations, Center policies and procedures, health and safety practices, and licensing requirements.
• Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom.
• Assist with developmentally appropriate activities, routines, and learning experiences planned by the Lead Teacher.
• Actively supervise children and help maintain required staff-to-child ratios.
• Engage children through play, conversation, exploration, and developmentally appropriate interactions.
• Support children's social-emotional development using positive, supportive behavior guidance strategies.
• Assist with toileting, diapering, handwashing, feeding, dressing, rest, and other personal care needs as appropriate.
• Build warm, responsive relationships that promote children's safety, belonging, independence, and development.
• Assist with transitions, meals and snacks, rest periods, outdoor play, and daily routines.
• Communicate regularly with the Lead Teacher about children's needs, behaviors, development, routines, and significant events.
• Complete assigned classroom documentation, attendance and care records, incident documentation, and other required paperwork.
• Support classroom observations and documentation of children's development and participation.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families about children's daily experiences and routines, in coordination with the Lead Teacher and Director.
• Maintain classroom materials and supplies and report supply, repair, or maintenance needs to the Lead Teacher or Director.
• Follow Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements and Center procedures for meals and snacks.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, and Center operations.
• Attend staff meetings and required professional development, and complete training within established timelines.
• Maintain required clearances, certifications, health documentation, and training records.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, behavioral or health concerns, licensing concerns, and other significant incidents to the Lead Teacher and/or Director.
• Assist with special activities, Center events, walks, field trips, and other assigned programming.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, administrators, substitutes, student interns, and other Center staff.
• Provide classroom coverage and assist in other classrooms as needed to support safe operations and required staffing ratios.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher or Child Care Center Director.
• Demonstrate reliability, consistent attendance, flexibility, professionalism, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and an attentive, collaborative approach to classroom responsibilities.
• Accept direction and feedback from the Lead Teacher and Child Care Center administration, maintain professional boundaries, and work effectively in an active early childhood environment.

Benefits

• 80 hours of annual sick time.
• 120 hours of allocated vacation leave.
• Medical insurance, with 75% of the cost covered by the FLCC Association.
• Dental insurance, with 100% of the employee cost covered by the FLCC Association.
• Vision insurance.
• TIAA retirement plan with a 3% match by the FLCC Association.
• Meal benefit and/or Health Reimbursement Account.
• Benefit covering the cost of one Finger Lakes Community College class per semester.
• Yearly evaluation with cost-of-living adjustments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed