Full Time Assistant Teacher

First Learning•Buffalo, NY

9d•$16 - $19

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher supports the general supervision and management of a classroom, helping provide children with a safe, nurturing, stimulating, and educational environment. The role encourages children to develop at their own pace socially, physically, emotionally, and cognitively. The Assistant Teacher reports to the Classroom Head Teacher or Teacher and supervises self. The position involves caring for children’s daily needs, supporting age-appropriate activities and classroom environments guided by NAEYC principles, and maintaining positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers. The Assistant Teacher may support other classrooms and Center operations, serve in the absence of the Head Teacher or Teacher, and complete ongoing early childhood training and documentation.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Commitment to working with young children in a manner that encourages emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development in accordance with NAEYC guidelines.
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 classrooms, on playgrounds, in other Center areas, or on field trips.
Ability to lift approximately 30 pounds from floor to 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 to maintain group control and address individual behaviors.
Ability to use sound judgment and tact, work as a team member, and demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and patience.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of related work experience with children is preferred.

Responsibilities

Follow First Learning 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 with planning and implementing an age-appropriate, open-ended program aligned with 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.
Orient and actively supervise children in both small and large groups.
Develop relationships with parents and communicate with them regularly.
Maintain classroom records and necessary written documentation.
Help maintain a positive work climate and communicate effectively with staff.
Assist new and substitute staff assigned to the classroom.
Support the supervisor and 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.