About the Role
The UPK Teaching Assistant will support the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher in planning, developing, and instructing students aged 3-4. This role follows the City School District of Albany (CSDA) curriculum to create a nurturing academic and social-emotional environment, assisting with classroom management and program delivery.
Responsibilities
- Assist in creating and submitting weekly lesson plans based on approved curriculum and individual student needs.
- Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to ensure all necessary materials and resources are prepared for classroom activities.
- Help develop and implement creative, hands-on classroom activities aligned with predetermined units of study and student needs.
- Utilize the Learning Without Tears curriculum in conjunction with the 2nd-Step program to facilitate both academic and social-emotional development.
- Actively participate in Professional Development opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to implement planned lessons and activities effectively.
- Assist in delivering age-appropriate instruction in various subject areas.
- Support small group activities and provide individualized attention to students.
- Complete required documentation accurately and timely.
- Provide guidance and support to ensure effective classroom management and a positive learning environment.
- Assist in organizing and maintaining an orderly, attractive, and stimulating classroom environment.
- Adhere to and help enforce health and safety regulations and policies.
- Maintain a safe and secure learning environment for students.
- Assist in implementing proper hygiene practices and routines among students.
- Support the emotional well-being of students by fostering a nurturing and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
- Remain alert to signs of child abuse or neglect and report concerns.
- Assist in managing emergency situations according to established procedures.
- Observe and document student progress, behavior, and developmental milestones.
- Assist in identifying students who may need additional support or intervention.
- Help implement individualized education plans (IEPs) or behavior plans.
- Encourage student independence and self-help skills.
- Promote positive social interactions among students and model appropriate behavior.
Requirements
- Preferred - Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education
- Prior experience working with young children in an educational setting is desirable
- Experience working in an Early Childhood setting
- Teaching Assistant Certification, OR currently enrolled in a certification program
- Mandated Reporter Certification
- Preferred CPR and First Aid Training
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
- Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
- Proficient with Google Office Suite or related software
- Must pass a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and sex offender registry check.
- Standing/walking for up to 7 hours per day
- Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
- Fine motor coordination for computer work
- Regular verbal communication with children, staff, and parents
- Visual acuity to monitor children's activities and safety
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Skills
- Early Childhood Education
- Teaching Assistant Certification
- Mandated Reporter Certification
- CPR
- First Aid Training
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Customer service skills
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Task prioritization
- Delegation
- Google Office Suite
Location
- Varies - Albany City School District
Work Type
- Full-Time
- 10-month position
Experience Level
- Prior experience working with young children in an educational setting is desirable
- Experience working in an Early Childhood setting
Education Level
- Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education
- Teaching Assistant Certification
- CPR and First Aid Training
Salary/Compensations
- $16/hour
Benefits
- Paid school holidays and breaks
- Sick leave
- 401(k) w/match
- Health and dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability
- New York Paid Family Leave benefits
- Retirement benefits
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Eligibility for additional third-party discounts
About the Company
- At the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (BGCCA), you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll be part of our mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
- Our team collaborates to ensure that youth in the Capital Area have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in today’s fast-paced environment.
Equal Opportunity
- The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce.
- Persons from diverse backgrounds including communities of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to apply.
