Assistant Toddler Teacher

Position Description

The Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children from birth through age three. The Assistant Teacher helps implement daily routines, facilitates learning experiences, supports children's development, and contributes to a positive classroom community.

The Assistant Teacher works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and other staff members to support children's social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, and creative development. Through responsive caregiving, observation, and meaningful interactions, the Assistant Teacher helps ensure a high-quality environment that promotes secure relationships, exploration, and learning.

Responsibilities and Duties

Child Development and Care

• Provide responsive, individualized care that supports the unique needs of each child.
• Build nurturing relationships that promote children's sense of security, trust, and belonging.
• Support children's social-emotional development through positive interactions and relationship-based practices.
• Assist children with daily care routines including feeding, diapering, toileting, sleeping, dressing, and hygiene.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to children's developmental, emotional, behavioral, and health needs.

Curriculum and Learning Environment

• Support the implementation of developmentally appropriate learning experiences planned by the Lead Teacher.
• Engage actively with children during play, routines, sensory experiences, and daily interactions.
• Use observation to support children's learning and contribute information to curriculum planning discussions.
• Assist with preparing materials and maintaining an organized, safe, and inviting classroom environment.
• Support opportunities for language development, sensory exploration, movement, problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction.
• Help document children's learning through photographs, observations, work samples, and classroom displays.
• Support program philosophies, including play-based learning, relationship-based practices, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Integrate Jewish values, traditions, and culture into classroom experiences as appropriate.

Assessment and Documentation

• Assist with observing and documenting children's development, interests, and learning experiences.
• Contribute information for assessments, developmental screenings, and classroom documentation.
• Maintain accurate records as assigned, including attendance, daily care routines, health information, and classroom documentation.
• Support documentation practices that make children's learning visible to families and the classroom community.

Family Engagement

• Establish positive and professional relationships with families.
• Communicate daily information regarding children's routines and experiences as directed by the Lead Teacher and program procedures.
• Welcome families into the classroom and support family engagement activities and events.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

Classroom Collaboration and Professionalism

• Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and classroom team to support children's learning and well-being.
• Follow classroom schedules, routines, and program procedures.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist wherever needed within the classroom and program.
• Participate in classroom planning discussions and team meetings.
• Model professionalism and positive interactions with children, families, and colleagues.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations and program policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment.
• Assist with health and safety checks and required documentation.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow established procedures.
• Participate in emergency drills, trainings, and required safety procedures.
• Administer medication only when properly trained and authorized in accordance with program policies and regulations.

Professional Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings, trainings, conferences, and professional development activities as required.
• Complete all OCFS training requirements and annual professional development requirements.
• Maintain required certifications and professional credentials.
• Participate in program-wide events, family programs, and special activities.
• Support the swim program and other specialty programming as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the ECE Director or Assistant Director.