Assistant Teacher

Description:

The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) is a community development organization founded on the radically simple idea that all people deserve healthy, vibrant communities.  We build award-winning, sustainable, affordable homes – but our work is not over when our buildings are complete. WHEDco believes that to be successful, affordable housing must be anchored in strong communities that residents can be proud of. WHEDco’s mission is to give the South Bronx access to all the resources that create thriving neighborhoods – from high-quality early education and after-school programs, to fresh, healthy food, cultural programming, and economic opportunity. See www.whedco.org for more information.

WHEDco affords all qualified applicants equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, gender (including gender non-conforming characteristics), national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, or any other category protected by law. WHEDco follows the requirements of the New York Human Rights Law with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

Job Summary: WHEDco’s nationally-accredited Urban Horizons Early Childhood Discovery Center, an EarlyLearn NYC Head Start program serves 111 pre-school students from over 20 different countries.  WHEDco’s full-day program offers a nurturing environment that allows children to develop confidence, think creatively, analyze information and communicate effectively.  Each year 100% of the students graduate prepared for kindergarten, ensuring that they begin their school careers ready to succeed.

Under the supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher will be responsible for carrying out program goals, complying with Center policies and procedures, observing the schedules in the Center and adhering to both WHEDco and Center personnel practices and procedures.

Responsibilities:

Primary Responsibilities:

Classroom Activities

• Assist in the planning and execution of a program which takes into account the educational, social developmental and health needs of the group as well as the individual children.
• Contribute to curriculum planning and share responsibility for supervising a safe and appropriate learning environment to promote optimal program functioning and learning.
• Assist with record keeping for the classroom.
• Help plan enrichment activities through the use of community resources.
• Support the development of classroom and individual goals that are appropriate to the age and developmental level of the children.
• Keep the classroom, equipment and materials in good condition and accessible for all children to encourage constructive, safe and appropriate use; report damaged or hazardous equipment to Center administration.
• Responsible for working cooperatively with parents and/or caregivers in the shared role of supporting their child’s first classroom experiences.

Promoting Professional Growth

• Promote professional growth through participation in staff meetings, in-service trainings and by attending appropriate educational conferences and courses.
• Participate in objective and productive discussions concerning job performance and development with the Lead Teacher, Center Director and/or Education Director.

Developing and Maintaining Positive Relationships with Colleagues and Families

• Support plans for communicating information about children in the classroom to parents and/or caregivers.
• Attend meetings with parents and/or caregivers, parent/teacher conferences and home visits.
• Respect confidentiality of records and student/family information.
• Maintain sound professional relationships , good communication and a cooperative attitude with colleagues both in the Center and within other WHEDco programs.

Other related duties assigned at the discretion of Center Administration or WHEDco’s management.

Qualifications: