About the Role
The Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant will support the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher in planning, developing, and instructing students aged 3-4. This role follows the Watervliet City School District (WCSD) curriculum to create a nurturing academic and social-emotional environment, working collaboratively with the Lead Teacher on classroom management and program delivery.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the creation and submission of weekly lesson plans based on the approved curriculum and individual student needs.
- Collaborate with the Prekindergarten Teacher to ensure all necessary materials and resources are prepared for classroom activities.
- Assist in delivering creative and 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 academic and social-emotional development.
- Participate in offered Professional Development opportunities by the Watervliet City School District and the BGCCA.
- Implement planned lessons and activities collaboratively with the Prekindergarten Teacher.
- Deliver creative, hands-on classroom activities based on predetermined units of study and students' needs.
- Complete progress reports, attendance, progress monitoring, summary/goal sheets, and monthly updates, and complete any additional required paperwork in a timely manner.
- Provide support and guidance to ensure effective classroom instruction.
- Engage in regular communication and coordination with the Prekindergarten Teacher and other team members.
- Adhere to and enforce health and safety regulations and policies established by the school district.
- Maintain a safe and secure learning environment for students, actively monitoring and addressing potential hazards.
Requirements
- Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred.
- 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.
- 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, as required by BGCCA.
- 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
- Google Office Suite or related software
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Customer service skills
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Task prioritization
- Delegation
Location
- Watervliet Elementary School
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 is preferred
- Teaching Assistant Certification
- Currently enrolled in a certification program
Salary/Compensations
- $16.50/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.
