Assistant Teacher - Toddler (Association)

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for toddlers. The role involves actively participating in classroom routines, supervision, learning experiences, and care of children, while maintaining a positive learning-through-play environment.

What You Will Do

The Assistant Teacher will adhere to all applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulations, follow Child Care Center policies and procedures, and support the Lead Teacher in maintaining a safe and welcoming classroom environment. The role also involves actively supervising children, engaging with them through play and conversation, and supporting their social-emotional development.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in and commitment to working with young children, demonstrate a warm, patient, responsive, and professional demeanor, and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. The role requires flexibility and responsiveness to changing classroom and Center needs, as well as the ability to work effectively in an active early childhood environment.

Requirements

• Adhere to all applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulations
• Follow all Child Care Center policies and procedures
• Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining a safe and welcoming classroom environment
• 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

Benefits

• Medical insurance (75% covered by FLCC Association)
• Dental insurance (100% covered by FLCC Association)
• 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
• 80 hours of annual sick time
• 120 hours allocated vacation leave
• Hourly Rate: $16–$18.50 per hour, depending on experience, training, and education