Teacher Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

About the JCC of Greater Rochester

The JCC of Greater Rochester is a mission‑driven community organization rooted in Jewish values and open to individuals and families of all backgrounds. We serve as a welcoming hub for connection, learning, wellness, and belonging—advancing Jewish life while strengthening the broader community through inclusive programs and services.

Our work is guided by the core Jewish values that shape how we care for people, steward our resources, and create spaces that are safe, supportive, and mission‑aligned:

• Kehillah – Community
• Kavod – Respect and dignity
• Hachnasat Orchim – Welcoming and belonging
• Shmirat HaGuf – Care for the body and well‑being
• Chesed – Compassion

The JCC Wolk Children’s Center is a premier early‑childhood community dedicated to nurturing the whole child. We create a warm, engaging environment where children learn through play, social interaction, and hands‑on exploration—because we understand that young learners thrive as constructivists.

We follow the Creative Curriculum , a research‑based, field‑tested approach that supports developmentally appropriate learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our program cultivates collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of community.

We believe in supporting our educators as whole people. Team members enjoy:

• A comprehensive benefits package
• JCC membership , including access to facilities and programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Networking and community‑building events
• Opportunities to engage in meaningful Jewish cultural and communal activities

JOB SUMMARY

Teacher Assistants support Lead Teachers in providing high-quality care and education for children from infancy through school 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth in young children.
• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate activities that support the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of young children. 
• Support daily care routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, and rest time. 
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment in alignment with program standards. 
• Observe and document developmental milestones as directed by the Lead Teacher. 
• Provide respectful, responsive, and nurturing care to infants, toddlers and school age. 
• Actively participate in classroom supervision, transitions, and engagement on the playground and in shared activity spaces. 
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher, co‑teachers, and administrative staff to ensure clear communication, consistency, and effective teamwork. 
• Interact with families in a professional, supportive manner that encourages positive family engagement. 
• Attend all required training courses, staff meetings, and professional development sessions. 
• Comply with all OCFS licensing regulations and promptly report concerns or suspected violations to the appropriate staff

OTHER DUTIES 

• Ability to float between infancy to school age classrooms based on daily staffing and program needs.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diplomas or equivalent required.
• One year of experience working with children less than 13 years of age required.
• Associate's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field and/or Child Development Associate credential highly preferred.
• Current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, reliability, and a strong commitment to early childhood education. 
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

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 essential functions.

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

Equal Employee Opportunity

The JCC of Greater Rochester is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive culture in which staff, members, and community partners can thrive.

EOE Disability/Veteran