Teacher Assistant (Early Childhood)

The Wolk Children’s Center at the JCC of Greater Rochester is seeking dedicated and professional candidates for the position of Teacher Assistant in our Early Childhood program. Teacher Assistants support Lead Teachers in providing high-quality care and education for children from infancy through preschool age. This role contributes to the daily operations of the classroom, promotes child development across all domains, and helps maintain a nurturing, safe, and organized learning environment.

Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, reliability, and a strong commitment to early childhood education.

Schedule Requirements

• Full-time positions (40 Hours) must be available Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM
• Part-time positions (25 - 30 Hours) must be available Monday through Friday between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth in young children
• Support daily routines including feeding, diapering, toileting, and rest time
• Maintain a safe, clean, and engaging classroom environment
• Observe and document developmental milestones as directed by the Lead Teacher
• Provide respectful and responsive care to infants and toddlers
• Actively participate in classroom supervision, transitions, and engagement on the playground and in activity spaces
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher, co-teachers, and administrative staff to ensure consistent communication and teamwork
• Interact with families professionally and support positive family engagement
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and professional development sessions
• Comply with all OCFS licensing regulations and promptly report concerns or suspected violations

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry children weighing 10–15 lbs frequently and up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Ability to kneel, bend, squat, stand, and sit on the floor or child-sized furniture for extended periods
• Ambulatory ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors, including playgrounds and uneven terrain
• Ability to actively engage with children during play and movement activities

Work Environment

• Infant, toddler, and preschool classroom settings
• Outdoor learning areas, playgrounds, and walking trails
• Gymnasium and pool facilities where applicable
• Exposure to varying weather during outdoor activities

Education and Experience Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a related field and one year of experience in a childcare setting
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications preferred

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision
• Retirement Plan, Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free membership to the JCC Fitness and Aquatics Center
• Benefits eligibility depends on full-time or part-time status

The Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester is committed to providing an enriching environment for both staff and children. If you are passionate about early childhood education and committed to high-quality care, we encourage you to apply.