Preschool Assistant Teacher

ANTICIPATED FALL OPENING

Preschool Assistant Teacher

SCCDC is currently recruiting for an Assistant Teacher for the 2026 - 2027 program year. Work in partnership with Head Teacher to implement a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate classroom experience for preschool children in accordance with the agency curriculum and Head Start Performance Standards; assist with overall planning and functioning of the day-to-day activities in the classroom that support the physical, social-emotional and cognitive development of each child. Implement teaching and behavior support practices associated with the Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children. Establish nurturing and responsive relationships with all children on caseload and build positive and productive relationships with parents, encouraging them to participate in all aspects of the Head Start program. This is a part-year position offering a generous leave time package to inlcude sick and personal time, plus holidays, snow days and school recesses.

Qualifications: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.

Minimum Requirement: Current Preschool CDA (Child Development Associate) and experience working with preschool children in a classroom setting; or High School Diploma and related experience with a plan to obtain a CDA required within two years of hire. Three letters of reference, OCFS Clearance, Current Physical with Tuberculin Test, and a valid NYS Driver's License required.

Pay Rate: $18.22 - $19.92 per hour Based on Qualifications and Experience

$500.00 Signing Bonus!

Benefits:

• Paid Holidays
• Generous Paid Leave including Snow Days & School Recesses
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Employer Sponsored Short-Term Disability Insurance
• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Simplified Employee Pension (SEP)
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Continuing Education & Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

I.TITLE: Assistant Teacher

Assist the Head Teacher in the implementation of a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate classroom experience in accordance with the agency curriculum and Head Start Performance Standards.

Establish positive and productive relationships with parents, encouraging them to participate in all aspects of the Head Start program.

Assume the lead role in the classroom setting in the absence of the Head Teacher.

Education and School Readiness

Work in partnership with the Head Teacher to Plan and facilitate quality classroom experiences that support SCCDC School Readiness Goals.

Work in partnership with the Head Teacher to develop, implement, and evaluate weekly lesson plans in accordance with the agency curriculum, Head Start Education Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Head Start Performance Standards.

Conduct developmental and behavioral screenings for all children within 45 days of enrollment.

Use a web-based system to conduct ongoing assessment of children’s growth and development. Use data generated to plan for individualized learning experiences for all children.

Family and Community Engagement

Support Family Engagement in all aspects of the Head Start program.

• Foster the belief in parents that they are their child’s best teachers and reinforce these concepts with practical suggestions for development.
• Conduct regularly scheduled home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Share assessment data and observations with parents and ensure parental input in individualized planning for each child.
• Maintain regular communication with all families through phone contacts, emails, and Class Dojo. Document all significant contacts with families.

Participate in holistic and coordinated services across program service areas, to include the use of Family Support Conferences.

Health & Safety

Obtain CPR/First Aid Certification and Medication Administration Training Certification (MAT) as requested by supervisor.

Incorporate health practices, to include but not limited to, handwashing, tooth brushing, family style meals and toileting into the daily routine of the classroom.

Provide families health education on a variety of topics at Home Visits and Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Include health education, to include allergies, into the lesson plans regularly.

Partner with Family Advocates to support individual health needs of children and families.

• Ensure all Health Care and Allergy Plans are strictly adhered to in the classroom. Ensure allergies are posted as required and communicated to all staff assigned to the classroom.

• Look for patterns in daily health logs and reach out for support as needed.

Maintain first aid and health care supplies in classroom.

Implement the Supervision of Children Procedure to ensure that all children are always supervised.

Mental Health and Disabilities Services

Implement appropriate, trauma informed, classroom management techniques, in accordance with the SCCDC Behavior Management Policy.

Implement teaching and behavior support practices associated with the Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children.

Collaborate with families, teaching team and managers to make referrals for evaluation and to implement Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals for children as needed.

Attend IEP meetings, as appropriate, prepared to contribute information and suggest strategies.

ERSEA

Partner with families and staff to encourage and support attendance as a priority for school readiness.

Complete daily attendance records.

Record Keeping and Reporting

Maintain a comprehensive record keeping system that provides thorough and accurate documentation of family engagement and school readiness services provided to children and families.

Training and Professional Development

Be an active participant in the ongoing monitoring process, engaging in discussion and planning following classroom observations.

Utilize classroom level child outcomes data to direct professional growth and improved classroom practices.

Facilities and Learning Environments

Maintain a safe and clean classroom environment.

Complete regular safety checks of learning environments per agency policy.

Work as a Member of the SCCDC, Inc. Team

• Represent the agency mission and values in all aspects of your work.
• Support the culture of continuous improvement and data driven decision making.
• Demonstrate principles of the agency’s Trauma-Informed approach when interacting with families, children, and staff.
• Integrate the Family Engagement Framework into all areas of program development and service delivery.
• Submit all required records and complete all assigned duties in a timely manner.
• Adhere to agency confidentiality policy, comply with mandated child abuse and maltreatment requirements, and implement all agency policies, procedures and structures.
• Participate in professional development activities, attending all staff meetings and trainings as requested.
• Complete all other duties assigned by supervisor or Executive Director.