Job Description

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Substitute Teacher Aide

REPORTS TO: Lead Teacher

DEPARTMENT: SPHS

JOB TYPE: As Needed / On-Call

OBJECTIVES: The Substitute Preschool Teacher Aide provides classroom support for children ages 1–5 on an as-needed basis when regular staff are absent. This role helps maintain required teacher-to-child ratios and supports a warm, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. The Substitute Teacher Aide works under the direction of the Lead Teacher and assists with classroom routines, supervision, and learning activities that nurture children’s curiosity, independence, and emotional well-being.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Actively support teachers during classroom activities by helping to facilitate play and group sessions, assist with mealtimes, rest periods, and outdoor experiences.
2. Maintain active, positive supervision of students ages 1-5 by fostering a safe and nurturing atmosphere.
3. Create a structured environment for students by supporting daily routines and assisting with smooth transitions between activities.
4. Create a safe and welcoming space for learning and playing by maintaining a clean, organized classroom.
5. Encourage positive relationships among students and staff by modeling appropriate communication and problem-solving skills.

SPECIFIC SKILLS:

• Understanding of developmental stages for early childhood and school-age children.
• Ability to recognize and respond to individual learning needs.
• Skills in maintaining a safe, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Clear and respectful communication with teachers, students, and parents.
• Patience, empathy, and adaptability when working with diverse groups of children.
• Quick thinking to handle unexpected situations calmly.
• Ability to redirect behavior positively and constructively.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Excellent work ethic
• Commitment to working in a mission-driven organization
• Demonstrated personal ethics and values
• Cross-team collaboration and cooperation
• Team player who works well with a diverse group of people

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children ages 1–5 in a childcare or early education setting (preferred).
• CDA, early childhood coursework, or willingness to pursue.
• Positive, patient, and dependable
• Knowledge of basic first aid and emergency procedures.
• Basic proficiency with educational tools and classroom technology (e.g., tablets, smart boards).

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• $17.00 per hour

About Northside

Northside Center for Child Development serves more than 5,500 children and families across New York City each year through high-quality, outcome-driven behavioral health, early childhood education, and enrichment services. With over $34 million in annual funding, Northside provides the comprehensive support children and families need to overcome adversity, build resilience, and pursue their dreams.

Founded in 1946 in Harlem, Northside has been a cornerstone of the community for eight decades, leading the way in integrating education and mental health to support children’s development. Several of Northside’s innovative programs were the first of their kind in Harlem, setting standards of care that continue to influence social service agencies throughout the United States today.

Northside’s founders, Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie Phipps Clark, were renowned, pioneering psychologists whose groundbreaking research was instrumental in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation unconstitutional. Their belief in the worth, dignity, and potential of every child continues to guide Northside’s mission and inspire its work today. Northside is driven by its vision and principle, “Each Child…First Chance.”

For more information on Northside Center for Child Development, please visit www.northsidecenter.org.