Assistant Teacher - Whitney Point

Start Date:
08/24/2026

Job Summary: 

The Assistant Teacher shall assist the teacher in planning and carrying out the daily program activities and shall take over all duties in the absence of the Lead Teacher.

Employee Benefits:

• 403b
• 403b matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid snow days
• 11 Paid holidays

Education and Experience:

Must meet one of the following three qualifications:

1.       At least a child development associate (CDA) credential  or state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA Credential;

2.       Are enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or related field; or

3.       Are enrolled in a child development associate (CDA) credential program to be completed within 2 years of hire.

4.       A physical, TB screening, criminal record check, and Request for Statewide Central Registry are required prior to employment.  Physical and TB screening must be updated every two years.

5.       At least one year's experience working with young children in a classroom setting and direct experience working with low income children and families is preferred.

6.       * Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) or Prekindergarten for Three-Year Olds (3PK) Assistant Teachers only - NYS Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Duties/Responsibilities:

1.       Assist Lead Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate activities as written in daily lesson plans

2.       Assist Lead Teacher in preparing, in advance, materials needed to carry out daily activities

3.       Manage large and small groups of children, as well as meetings children's individual needs

4.       Utilize a team approach with Lead Teacher, parents, and other classroom teaching staff (to include public teaching an administrative staff when applicable) in the development and implementation of lesson plans and child observation and assessment

5.       Actively participate in children's activities in the classroom and on the playground

6.       Model appropriate behavior, language, and grammar skills for children and parents

7.       Eat breakfast, snacks, and lunch with children; encouraging children to engage in conversation and promoting a pleasant atmosphere during meal time.  Use meal periods and information about the food as part of the total education plan

8.       Assist children with the proper health, nutrition, and safety training and encourage self help skills such as eating (serving self), dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, and personal hygiene

9.       Attend monthly parent committee meetings and child/family related meetings (i.e. CPSE, IEP) as required, adjusting regular work schedule to incorporate this time into regular work hours

10.   Participate (when possible) in two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences per child per year

11.   Create an atmosphere that is welcoming to parents and families

12.   Work in cooperation with other staff members to transition children and parents in and out of Head Start

13.   In absence of Lead Teacher assume all responsibilities as described in the Lead Teacher job description

14.   Assist Lead Teacher in maintaining records (attendance, accident/incident reports, daily health check, family communication notes, fire drills, lesson plans, etc.) as required by Head Start and New York State office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)

15.   Input required data in the Teaching Strategies GOLD and COPA data bases

16.   Assist Lead Teacher in keeping ongoing observation records on children's performance and use these anecdotal records in updating child assessments, and in planning individual and group activities and interactions with children

17.   Maintain a positive working relationship with parents and guardians, staff and other human service agencies

18.   Assist Lead Teacher in maintaining a complete and up to date file on each child

19.   Document any conversation/interaction with children/families and share relevant information with appropriate Head Start staff on a "need to know basis"

20.   Fulfill role as Mandated Reporter as stated in the Child Abuse and Maltreatment policy

21.   Check GO online e-mail account frequently throughout the work week

22.   Assure that children are treated with respect while using positive discipline techniques and setting limits and expectations consistently

23.   Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment

24.   Maintain an orderly and clean classroom environment; this may include sweeping, mopping, etc. as necessary

25.   Maintain inventory of classroom supplies and assure materials are in good condition

26.   Maintain a working knowledge of all Head Start Performance Standards and adhere to all agencies policies and procedures

27.   Participate in all meetings and in-service training (workshops, consultations, etc.)

28.   Complete the 30 hours of professional development training as required be Head Start and NYS OCFS

29.   Be computer literate and able to acquire new skills

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is required to walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, sit on floor and child size chairs and use taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

“All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to  race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.” This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than "at will" relationship.