UPK Teaching Assistant (Cohoes)

Description

Position Title: UPK Teaching Assistant

Performance Profile: Front Line

Department: Universal Prekindergarten

Work Location: Varies, Cohoes City School District

Reports to: UPK Director

Salary Range: From $16.00/hour

Hours & Schedule: Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours/week

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Full-Time 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), and eligibility for additional third-party discounts.

Note: This is a 10-month position (August 2025 - June 2026) with BGCCA, working in collaboration with the Cohoes City School District (CCSD).

Overview :

Universal Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistants play a vital role in supporting Lead Teachers in planning, developing, and instructing students aged 3-4 years. This role follows the approved curriculum goals, standards, and learning objectives of the respective school district to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for academic and social-emotional achievement. Working collaboratively with the Lead Teacher, Teaching Assistants are responsible for assisting with classroom management and program delivery.

Key Job Responsibilities:

The following non-exhaustive list of job duties required for this position:

Planning & Leadership:

• •Assist in creating and submitting weekly lesson plans based on approved curriculum and individual student needs.
• •Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to ensure all necessary materials and resources are prepared for classroom activities.
• •Help develop and implement creative, 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 both academic and social-emotional development.
• •Actively participate in Professional Development opportunities offered by the school district and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area.

Program Delivery:

• •Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to implement planned lessons and activities effectively.
• •Assist in delivering age-appropriate instruction in various subject areas, including early literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies.
• •Support small group activities and provide individualized attention to students as needed.
• •Complete required documentation accurately and timely, including progress reports, attendance records, progress monitoring forms, summary/goal sheets, and monthly updates.
• •Provide guidance and support to ensure effective classroom management and a positive learning environment.
• •Assist in organizing and maintaining an orderly, attractive, and stimulating classroom environment.

Health & Safety:

• •Adhere to and help enforce health and safety regulations and policies established by the school district.
• •Maintain a safe and secure learning environment for students by actively monitoring and addressing potential hazards.
• •Assist in implementing proper hygiene practices and routines among students.
• •Support the emotional well-being of students by fostering a nurturing and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
• •Remain alert to signs of child abuse or neglect and report concerns through appropriate channels.
• •Assist in managing emergency situations according to established procedures.

Student Support and Development:

• •Observe and document student progress, behavior, and developmental milestones.
• •Assist in identifying students who may need additional support or intervention.
• •Help implement individualized education plans (IEPs) or behavior plans as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• •Encourage student independence and self-help skills appropriate for their age and developmental level.
• •Promote positive social interactions among students and model appropriate behavior and communication.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Requirements

CREDENTIALS, SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Education /Experience/Certification:

• •Preferred - Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education
• •Minimum 1-2 years experience working in an Early Childhood setting
• •Teaching Assistant Certification or current enrollment in certification program
• •Experience with early childhood development and education
• •Mandated Reporter Certification
• •Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid Training

Required Skills/Abilities:

• •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.

Work environment:

Early childhood classroom environment with moderate noise levels from children's activities. Indoor school setting with standard classroom temperature control.

Travel required:

Minimal travel is required, with occasional attendance at off-site professional development or district meetings.

Physical Requirements:

• •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.

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.