UPK Teaching Assistant (Watervliet)

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Position Title: UPK Teaching Assistant

Performance Profile: Front Line

Department: Universal Prekindergarten

Work Location: Watervliet Elementary School

Reports to: UPK Director

Salary Range: $16.50/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 Watervliet City School District (WCSD).

Organizational Values

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (BGCCA), you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll be part of our mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Our team collaborates to ensure that youth in the Capital Area have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in today’s fast-paced environment.

Overview of Your Role

The primary function of the Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant will be to play a vital role in supporting the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher in planning, developing, and instructing students 3-4 years of age. This role will follow the approved Watervliet City School District (WCSD) curriculum goals, standards, and learning objectives to create a nurturing and stimulating academic and social-emotional achievement environment. This role will work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and be 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 the creation and submission of weekly lesson plans based on the approved curriculum and individual student needs.
• Collaborate with the Prekindergarten Teacher to ensure all necessary materials and resources are prepared for classroom activities.
• Assist in delivering creative and 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 academic and social-emotional development.
• Participate in offered Professional Development opportunities by the Watervliet City School District and the BGCCA.

Program Delivery

• Work collaboratively with the Prekindergarten Teacher to implement planned lessons and activities.
• Deliver creative, hands-on classroom activities based on predetermined units of study and students' needs.
• Complete progress reports, attendance, progress monitoring, summary/goal sheets, and monthly updates, and complete any additional required paperwork in a timely manner.
• Provide support and guidance to ensure effective classroom instruction.
• Engage in regular communication and coordination with the Prekindergarten Teacher and other team members.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to and enforce health and safety regulations and policies established by the school district.
• Maintain a safe and secure learning environment for students, actively monitoring and addressing potential hazards.

Requirements:

CREDENTIALS, SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Preferred - Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Prior experience working with young children in an educational setting is desirable
• Experience working in an Early Childhood setting

Required Certifications:

• Teaching Assistant Certification, OR currently enrolled in a certification program
• Mandated Reporter Certification
• CPR and First Aid Training

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

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 required - 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.