About the Role
The purpose of this position is to help provide a high-quality early childhood program in a warm, nurturing, safe, and loving environment where children’s development is enhanced, independence is encouraged, and individuality is respected. As a Substitute Early Childhood Assistant Teacher, you will support our classroom teaching team and help create an environment where children feel secure, valued, engaged, and excited to learn.
Responsibilities
- Help prepare and maintain a warm, safe, orderly, clean, and appealing classroom environment that encourages children to explore, learn, and grow.
- Support programming that meets the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of individual children and the group.
- Maintain health and safety requirements established by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
- Assist teachers with implementing lesson plans based on the Young Wonders curriculum format and expectations.
- Engage with children throughout the day and encourage their participation in classroom activities and learning experiences.
- Observe, record, and report significant individual and group behaviors as appropriate.
- Use positive, age-appropriate guidance and discipline techniques based on Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline philosophy.
- Help establish and maintain positive, respectful communication with parents and caregivers.
- Assist classroom staff in maintaining a quality learning environment and satisfactory Environment Rating Scale standards.
- Maintain appropriate records, documentation, and classroom files.
- Build supportive relationships with children from diverse backgrounds, treating every child with dignity and respect and considering each child within the context of their cultural and socioeconomic background.
- Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, conferences, and other professional development opportunities as needed.
- Assist children with toileting needs, including diaper changing when necessary.
- Perform other responsibilities related to the position as needed.
Requirements
- Are 18 years of age or older.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Have documented experience working with young children in a formal or informal setting.
- Relate to children with warmth, patience, sensitivity, and joy.
- Demonstrate emotional maturity, stability, and sound judgment.
- Are able to respond appropriately during challenging or crisis situations.
- Have the physical stamina necessary to work actively with young children.
- Are able to lift and carry a child weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Are able to maintain appropriate records and documentation.
- Possess, or are willing to obtain, certification in Pediatric First Aid, Personal Safety, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use.
- Are willing to continue their professional development, including working toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
Skills
- Conscious Discipline philosophy
Location
- Binghamton, Broome County
Work Type
- Substitute
- As Needed
- In-Person
Experience Level
- Entry Level
Education Level
- High school diploma or equivalent
Salary/Compensations
- $16.00 per hour
About the Company
- Young Wonders is the early childhood program of the YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County.
- The YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County strives to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
- At Young Wonders, you will be part of a team committed to creating a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment where children can develop confidence, curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
