Little School Teaching Assistant 10:30 am - 6pm at Allendale Columbia School – Rochester, New York

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Allendale Columbia Little School Teacher Assistant is responsible for providing an enriched early childhood education program by assisting the Lead Teacher in all aspects regarding the Reggio-Emilia approach. Allendale Columbia and the Reggio-Emilia approach believe that a child’s development occurs in the least restrictive environment, meaning that children learn best when they are able to learn, discover, explore, and experiment in and around the world that surrounds them. Within the Little School we employ a combination of child-led/guided learning and developmentally appropriate learning curriculum. Our main goal is to create a safe and happy place for the young minds of these children to grow.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Key responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with curriculum and activity implementation.
• Supervising and monitoring children's safety, assisting with routines like feeding and hygiene, and helping maintain a clean classroom.
• Provide individual or small group support, encourage positive behavior, and communicate with parents.
• Additional duties may involve record-keeping, preparing for lessons, assisting with activities, and attending staff meetings and training.
• Foster a stimulating, inviting, and nurturing environment for children and trusting relationships that encourage parents and educational partners.
• Model appropriate and respectful behavior to children and fellow staff.
• Support each child’s social and emotional development through positive child-guided interactions and approaches.
• Partner with parents to build an open communicative relationship to promote positive and effective communication about their child’s overall development
• Comply with all rules, regulations, procedures, and protocols of Allendale Columbia Little School, state and national regulatory agencies pertaining to the health and safety of the children.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Experience as a teaching assistant or similar role is a plus.
• Solid understanding of classroom activities and teaching best practices.
• Must have a compassionate and positive attitude.
• Outstanding interpersonal and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes
• Has an understanding or knowledge of the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Safely lift a child or children with a total weight of 50 pounds.
• Conduct activities involving substantial standing, walking, and moderate sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching on a frequent basis.
• Work with hands above shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
• Work with arms extended at shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, and kneel on the floor without assistance
• Must be able to push, pull, playground equipment, art supplies, manipulate office equipment, etc.
• Participate in routine conversation in person or via telephone and distinguish telephone, radio/pager signals, alarms, and other auditory tones
  

HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10:30 am - 6 pm

Pay range for this position: $16-$17/hour

Schedule & Classroom Assignment

• Shift: 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• 10:30–11:30 a.m.: Provide classroom support in Pre-K (PRK).
• 11:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: Provide care and instructional support in Little School (ages 18–36 months)