Full Time Assistant Teacher

First Learning•Buffalo, NY

9d•$16 - $19

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher assists with the general supervision and management of a classroom of children, helping provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating, and educational environment where children can develop socially, physically, emotionally, and cognitively at their own pace. The position reports to the Classroom Head Teacher or Teacher and supervises self. The Assistant Teacher supports children’s daily care and classroom activities, maintains a welcoming and organized learning environment, communicates with families and staff, and assists with classroom and center operations. The role also requires completing 15 hours of early childhood training within the first six months and annually thereafter, and maintaining a current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Commitment to working with young children in a way that encourages emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development, as outlined by NAEYC guidelines.
At least 18 years of age.
New York State Registry clearance.
Criminal History Fingerprint clearance.
Good health confirmed by a physician’s statement and proof of being free of tuberculosis.
Ability to observe, see, hear, and respond to children’s needs, emergencies, and conflicts in the classroom, on the playground, in other center areas, or on field trips.
Ability to lift approximately 30 pounds from the floor to a waist-high table 25–30 times daily.
Ability to reach a child 20–30 feet away within 30 seconds.
Ability to crouch to a child’s height, maintain eye contact at the child’s level, and sit on the floor for extended periods regularly.
Knowledge of New York State child care regulations.
Effective and tactful oral and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain positive relationships with children, coworkers, and parents.
Ability to use constructive methods for maintaining group control and individual behaviors.
Ability to use sound judgment and tact.
Ability to work as a team member.
Flexibility, particularly in scheduling and practice to respond to program needs.
Creativity and patience.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of related work experience with children is preferred.
Increasing knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and age-appropriate activities corresponding with NAEYC guidelines.

Responsibilities

Follow Care-a-lot Child Care policies and procedures and New York State Office of Children and Family Services child care licensing regulations.
Provide for the care, safety, and well-being of children, including diapering, toileting, feeding, washing, dressing, comforting, and preparing children for rest.
Assist in planning and implementing an age-appropriate, open-ended program aligned with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) philosophy.
Help prepare an inviting, clean, and organized classroom with learning centers and hands-on activities aligned with NAEYC philosophy.
Interact frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive, and encouraging manner consistent with NAEYC guidelines.
Orient and actively supervise children in small and large groups.
Develop relationships with parents and communicate directly with them regularly.
Maintain classroom records and required written documentation.
Contribute to a positive work climate and communicate effectively and directly with other staff.
Assist new and substitute staff assigned to the classroom.
Assist the supervisor and provide staff support to other classrooms and employees as needed.
Assist with maintenance, general housekeeping, and repair of assigned areas and common spaces.
Perform administrative duties as needed for classroom and center operations.
Serve in the absence of the Head Teacher or Teacher as needed.
Complete 15 hours of early childhood training within the first six months and every year thereafter.
Maintain a current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY.