Assistant Teacher

Richmond Early Childhood Center (159 Broadway)

$38,657-$41,348

Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the site’s Education Director, the Assistant Teacher’s responsibilities include the following:

Curriculum and Instruction

• Assist in promoting high-quality and developmentally appropriate teaching and learning in the classroom that leads to children’s school readiness.
• Assist in providing responsive care to all children through individualized planning, instruction, and supervision.
• Assist in the planning and establishment of an environment in which children develop trusting and accepting relationships with adults and peers that foster growth and development.
• Assist design and execute a developmentally appropriate and integrated curriculum experiences to fidelity which provides opportunities for children’s meaningful exploration that enhances the social, emotional, intellectual, language /communication and physical well-being of the children in the Early Head Start.
  • Utilize effective teaching practices and assist classroom management that align with licensing agency standards, curriculum and Children’s Aid Early Childhood Division mission.

Record Maintenance, Screening and Assessment

• Assist the Lead Teacher in overseeing and maintaining accurate records on each child including overseeing screening and assessment tools.
• Assist in observing and documenting students’ development daily to request additional support from Education Director through internal referral process.

Family Engagement

• Assist the Lead Teacher in encouraging parent involvement and communication through newsletters, bulletin boards, classroom events, Center-wide activities, and “open-door” policy.
• Depending on the Center and the funding requirements, participate in home visits, Parent/Teacher conferences, Open Houses, and/or Family Days.
• Assist the Lead Teacher educate families on the curriculum and developmentally appropriate learning opportunities they can provide at home by sharing resources and newsletters during parent-teacher conferences and throughout the year through our digital platforms.

Professional Development

• Participate in all agency offered trainings, coaching experiences workshops, In-Service days, and/or All-Staff conferences
• Engage in self-assessment and reflection coaching experiences such as through completion of self-assessment surveys, video recording, coaching and collaborating sessions.
  • 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 Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) required trainings within the specified time frame.
  • Maintain Active Membership with Aspire AND “Registered” status with TEACH Account, both linked to CA.

Health and Safety

• Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements, teacher child/ratios, and CPR/first aid, Child Abuse Mandate, Foundations for Health and Safety, Blood Borne Infection and Mental Health First Aid certification.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children aligned to CDC, DOHMH and ECERS guidance (i.e. clean toys, shelves, neat classrooms, reported damaged / broken equipment toys, etc.)

And other related duties as assigned, at the discretion of the Educational Director and/or Children’s Aid.

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). Depending on the nature of the degree and relevant years of experience, it may be required to have 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). Depending on the nature of the degree and relevant years of experience, it may be required to have 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). Depending on the nature of the degree and relevant years of experience, it may be required to have 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.

Other Qualifications:

• Bilingual preferred
• Experience working with infants and toddlers, and children with Special Needs
• Dedicated, excited and passionate about teaching and learning with young children
• Reflective on own teaching practice and willing to develop and increase capacity
• Professional approach
• Resourceful & dependable
• Effective communication skills
• Hold Mental Health First Aid Certificates

A review and final determination of credentials and qualifications are reserved for the site’s Education Director and the Children’s Aid Director of Early Childhood Programs.

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 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, 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.