Teacher Assistant in Corning, New York at Corning Day Programs Inc

Job Title: Teacher Assistant

Job Description:

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teacher Assistant to create a nurturing and supportive environment for children. The ideal candidate will foster a safe space for children to explore their independence while collaborating with team members to implement engaging programs that cater to individual and group developmental needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide a nurturing and loving environment that encourages children to feel safe and explore independence.
• Collaborate with team members to design and implement programs that meet the diverse developmental needs of children.
• Utilize children's enthusiasm for learning by offering numerous opportunities for play and exploration.
• Monitor transition times between activities and establish routines to facilitate smooth transitions.
• Maintain accurate and complete records as directed by teachers, including attendance, medication, incident reports, behavioral observations, meal counts, updated emergency information, and development logs.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of child development principles and practices.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Patience and a genuine passion for working with children.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and needs of children.

We welcome applicants who are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all children.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands:

• Stands, sits, and moves while supervising children indoors and outdoors.
  
• Walks with children on walks and field trips.
  
• Sits during paperwork, observation, and meals/snacks.
  
• Lifts/carries children up to 35 lbs.
  
• Reaches and handles supplies for meals and activities.
  
• Pushes/pulls furniture as needed.
  
• Stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls to interact at child level.
  
• Communicates clearly with children and staff; reads stories aloud.
  
• Hearing required for reading materials, reports, observing injuries, and giving first aid.
  
• Clear vision needed to monitor play and development.
  
• Follows all Health & Safety policies and responsibilities.
  

Environmental Conditions:

• Primarily indoor classroom setting.
  
• Outdoors daily for play, walks, games, and field trips (except in extreme weather).
  

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
  

Experience:

• Experience working with young children (e.g., nannying, camp counseling, vacation programs, family daycare, or extensive babysitting).
  

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Understanding of child developmental stages.
  
• Ability to create a nurturing and comforting environment.
  
• Open to professional development.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills.
  
• Enthusiastic and eager to learn.
  
• CPR & First Aid certified (training provided post-hire).
  
• Knowledge of Universal Precautions (training provided).
  
• USDA meal service monitoring knowledge (training provided).
  

• Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, excluding designated holidays.
  
• Reports To: Lead Teacher