Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher

Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher (Early Head Start Teacher)

Assist Lead Teacher in creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment where infants and toddlers grow, explore, and thrive. Build strong foundations through meaningful interactions, engaging activities, and responsive care. Work closely with families and fellow educators to support each child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development in a safe and a joyful classroom setting. Collaborate with a dedicated team of professionals, and play a vital role in laying the foundation for lifelong success.

Education, Experience, and Skill Requirements:

• Required Infant/Toddler CDA credential OR – 12 college credits toward an approved program in Early Childhood Education and currently enrolled.
• Experience working with children ages birth to three and their families
• Enjoy working with children and families with diverse developmental, social, and cultural needs
• Maintain written records and manage time effectively
• Work collaboratively and demonstrate leadership
• Ability to lift children up to 35 lbs
• Bilingual English/Albanian or Spanish strongly preferred

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Successfully clear NYS DOI Fingerprint Screening, NYS Central Registry Clearance, Sex Offender Registry Clearance, 3 reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, Tdap, MMR, varicella (fees may apply)
• Obtain a Mandated Reporter training certificate (every 2 years) and comply with agency's policy and procedure regarding identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect
• Obtain a First Aid/CPR and Preventive Infectious Diseases certificate within the first year of employment.
• Meets all employee health requirements in Article 47 (DOHMH) and Head Start Performance Standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and healthy learning environment for all children in accordance with EHS and DOHMH regulations through regular monitoring of classroom spaces and equipment.
• Support the planning and implementation of engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that nurture each child's emotional, social, physical, cognitive, and language development while promoting overall health and well-being.
• Collaborate closely with classroom teams and coordinators to ensure every child's individual goals and developmental milestones are achieved.
• Assist in maintaining clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate learning materials and environments that encourage creativity, exploration, and independent learning.
• Foster trusting relationships by maintaining confidentiality and professionalism regarding child, family, and classroom information.
• Observe and communicate children's developmental progress, health, and behavioral needs with the Lead Teacher to ensure children receive the support they need to thrive.
• Partner with teaching staff in documenting children's growth and planning curriculum aligned with EHS and GSS school readiness goals, including ongoing assessment using Teaching Strategies GOLD three times per year.
• Participate actively in weekly team meetings, multidisciplinary case conferences, and parent meetings to strengthen collaboration and support student success.
• Build strong, positive partnerships with families by maintaining open communication and creating meaningful opportunities for parent engagement.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and staff to provide families with valuable insights into child development and individualized learning progress.
• Support developmental and behavioral screenings within 45 days of enrollment and assist with follow-up services to ensure every child receives appropriate support.
• Collaborate with specialists and families to create inclusive learning experiences that support children with diagnosed special needs.
• Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences to celebrate children's achievements, discuss developmental progress, and establish meaningful school readiness goals together with families.
• Uphold all state regulations and agency policies related to child safety, wellness, and mandated reporting responsibilities.
• Engage in coaching opportunities, professional development trainings, and ongoing learning experiences to continuously strengthen teaching practices and leadership skills.
• Participate in annual performance evaluations to establish and achieve both short- and long-term professional goals.
• Attend and contribute to all required trainings, meetings, and collaborative initiatives that support program excellence.
• Contribute enthusiastically to special projects and additional responsibilities that help strengthen the program and enrich children's learning experiences.