Assistant Teacher

MISSION STATEMENT:

Are you ready to give back to the community while pursuing your passion?  For over 50 years, Acacia Network and its affiliates have been committed to improving the quality-of-life and wellbeing of underserved communities in New York City and beyond.  We are one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the State, serving over 150,000 individuals every year. Our programs serve individuals at every age and developmental level, from the very young through our daycare programs to mature adults through our older adults centers. Our extensive array of community-based services are fully integrated, bilingual and culturally competent.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As part of the education team, under the general direction of the Education Coordinator, with support from the Teacher, assists a given group of children. May be responsible for conducting circle, doing lesson plan and generally assuming the teacher’s responsibility in the teacher’s absence.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Share responsibility for maintaining classroom equipment and materials in good condition and ensuring they are accessible to promote constructive use by children.


• Report or remove any damaged or hazardous equipment to the Child Education Coordinator or designated staff to ensure timely corrective action.


• Assist in planning and supervising the arrangement of classroom equipment and furniture to support optimal program functioning.


• Support overall planning to maximize the effective use of shared spaces within the center.


• Assist the teacher in incorporating community resources to enrich the educational program.


• Collaborate with classroom staff to maintain a shared understanding of Head Start and the sponsoring agency.


• Promote professional growth through participation in individual conferences, team meetings, staff meetings, and early childhood training opportunities.


• Share responsibility with classroom staff for routine duties across all program areas.


• Participate in training and professional development opportunities as they become available.


• Engage in constructive discussions with the teacher and aide regarding classroom activities and improvements.


• Follow established protocols for communicating information about children and program activities with parents.


• Attend and participate in parent education groups and trainings as required.


• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information related to children and families.


• Foster positive and professional working relationships with all center staff.


• Perform other related duties as assigned, including assuming full classroom responsibility in the absence of the teacher.


• Assist with field trips, including neighborhood walks and community bus outings.


• Support fire drills by ensuring children are safely escorted and conducting accurate face-to-name attendance counts.


• Provide classroom support across age groups, including assisting children who are not yet potty trained.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma/GED or AA or in combination CDA. Can be in a college going for an associate’s degree or BA. Must show proof of enrollment.


• Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice preferred. 


• Proof of physical examination with the last 6 months, which includes a tuberculosis test, and complete with other background checks as required by the Agency and/or DOHMH Licensing. 


• Personal qualifications are required: licensing standards of early childhood center-based programs, and the willingness to cooperate with parents in the education of their children.


• Successful experience working in a team setting. 


• Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with a teacher and an aide: assisting them in increasing professional knowledge and skill. Ability to work collaboratively with a team. 


• Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community. 


• Ability to help plan, organize and implement curriculum. 


• Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and families.


• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.


• Proficient in computer use and telephone communication.

WHY JOIN US?

Acacia Network provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. In addition to a competitive salary, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off, including vacation days and paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance. We prioritize the well-being of our employees both professionally and personally.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.