Job Description

• This is a courtesy post on behalf of the Finger Lakes Community College Association Inc. *

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment in which children can grow physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. The Assistant Teacher actively participates in classroom routines, supervision, learning experiences, and care of children while helping maintain a positive learning-through-play environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations.
• Follow all Child Care Center policies, procedures, health and safety practices, and licensing requirements.
• Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Assist with the implementation of developmentally appropriate classroom activities, routines, and learning experiences planned by the Lead Teacher.
• Actively supervise children at all times and help maintain required staff-to-child ratios.
• Engage with children throughout the day through play, conversation, exploration, and developmentally appropriate interactions.
• Support children's social-emotional development and use positive, supportive behavior guidance strategies.
• Assist children with toileting, diapering, handwashing, feeding, dressing, rest, and other personal care needs as appropriate.
• Develop warm, responsive, and supportive relationships with children that promote safety, belonging, independence, and development.
• Assist with classroom transitions, meals and snacks, rest periods, outdoor play, and other daily routines.
• Communicate regularly with the Lead Teacher regarding children's needs, behaviors, development, routines, and significant events during the day.
• Complete daily classroom documentation, attendance records, care records, incident documentation, and other required paperwork as assigned.
• Support classroom observations and documentation of children's development and participation.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families regarding children's daily experiences and routines, in coordination with the Lead Teacher and Director.
• Maintain classroom materials and supplies and notify the Lead Teacher or Director when additional supplies, repairs, or maintenance are needed.
• Follow all Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements and Center procedures related to meals and snacks.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, and Center operations.
• Attend staff meetings and required professional development and complete all training requirements within established timelines.
• Maintain all required clearances, certifications, health documentation, and training records.
• Immediately communicate accidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, health concerns, licensing concerns, or other significant incidents to the Lead Teacher and/or Director.
• Assist with special activities, Center events, walks, field trips, and other programming as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers, administrators, substitutes, student interns, and other Center staff.
• Provide classroom coverage and assist in other classrooms as needed to maintain safe operations and required staffing ratios.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher or Child Care Center Director

General Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate a genuine interest in and commitment to working with young children.
• Maintain a warm, patient, responsive, and professional demeanor.
• Demonstrate reliability and consistent attendance.
• Work collaboratively as part of a classroom and Center-wide team.
• Accept direction and feedback from the Lead Teacher and Child Care Center administration.
• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Maintain an organized and attentive approach to classroom responsibilities.
• Remain flexible and responsive to changing classroom and Center needs.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an active early childhood environment.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality with children, families, and colleagues.

Organizational Relationships:

• The Assistant Teacher is part of the Child Care Center of Finger Lakes Community College Association.
• This position reports to the Child Care Center Director.
• The Assistant Teacher works under the daily direction of the classroom Lead Teacher and collaborates with other Center staff to support children and classroom operations.

Employment Standards

Candidates must meet all 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.

All employees must complete and maintain required background clearances, health documentation, orientation, training, and professional development in accordance with OCFS regulations and Center policies.

Compensation

• Full-time hourly position, 52 weeks per year, 40 hours per week
• 80 hours of annual sick time
• 120 hours allocated vacation leave
• Medical (FLCC Association covers 75%), dental (FLCC Association cover 100% of employee), and vision insurance
• TIAA Retirement with 3% matching by the FLCC Association
• Meal benefit and/or Health Reimbursement Account
• Employee benefits cover the cost of one class at Finger Lakes Community College per semester
• Evaluation performed on a yearly basis with cost-of-living adjustments
• Hourly Rate: $16–$18.50 per hour, depending on experience, training, and education
• This is a courtesy post on behalf of the Finger Lakes Community College Association Inc. *