Infant/Toddler Early Head Start Teacher Assistant

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

The Infant/Toddler Early Head Start Teacher Assistant supports the classroom teacher in providing high-quality, responsive care and education to a group of up to eight infants and toddlers. This role works under the guidance of the Teacher to promote children’s health, safety, and developmental progress in alignment with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), NYS Child Day Care Regulations, and agency policies. The Teacher Assistant fosters positive relationships with children and families, implements activities as directed, and assists in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. A Teacher Assistant may support multiple classrooms.

Core Responsibilities

Planning

• Assist the Teacher in preparing lesson plans and materials aligned with Creative Curriculum, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), and NYS Early Learning Guidelines.

• Prepare classroom materials, set up learning opportunities, and support individualized plans developed by the Teacher.

Program Implementation

• Engage in responsive caregiving routines (arrival, feeding, diapering/toileting, rest, and transitions) while ensuring supervision and safety.

• Facilitate teacher-directed and child-led activities that promote physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development.

• Maintain health and safety practices (safe sleep, sanitation, hazard checks) in accordance with HSPPS and OCFS.

• Support family-style meals and infant/toddler feeding according to CACFP guidelines and allergy accommodations.

• Contribute to a positive, nurturing, and language-rich environment.

Family Partnerships

• Greet and communicate with families daily in a welcoming, respectful manner.

• Support the Teacher in sharing child progress updates and encouraging family engagement in program activities.

• Attend and support at least two home visits per child per year.

Communication & Service Coordination

• Collaborate with the Teacher, Education Manager, Health and Family Services staff, and specialists to meet individual child needs.

• Communicate observations and concerns about children to the Teacher promptly.

Record Keeping & Reporting

• Assist with maintaining daily records including attendance, health checks, diapering/toileting logs, and incident reports.

• Contribute to child portfolios by documenting observations as directed by the Teacher.

Ongoing Monitoring & Self-Assessment

• Participate in classroom observations and feedback sessions as part of the program’s continuous improvement efforts.

• Support implementation of changes based on feedback from coaching and monitoring visits.

Human Resources & Supervision

• Work under the direct supervision of the Teacher, participating in required professional development and OCFS-mandated training hours.

• Maintain current certifications including CPR/First Aid and Mandated Reporter training.

• Maintain an Aspire Registry account for professional development.

Program Governance & Leadership

• Support classroom volunteer activities under the Teacher’s direction.

• Assist in recruiting and supporting volunteers in the classroom, ensuring accurate in-kind documentation.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and staff information at all times in accordance with program policies and regulations.

• Travel between program sites and occasional overnight travel for training and conferences may be required.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program success and compliance with HSPPS and NYS OCFS regulations.

Head Start Employee Expectations

• Uphold the shared values of the center.

• Cooperate with co-workers to ensure quality service to children and families while maintaining positive staff relationships.

• Actively participate in staff meetings, mandated trainings, committee meetings, and program-wide functions (including some evenings).

• Adhere to agency policies on confidentiality, child abuse reporting, attendance, dress, customer service, prudent use of program resources, and safe work practices.

• Demonstrate integrity, responsibility, professionalism, and initiative in all duties.

• Continue professional development and represent the program at local, state, and regional initiatives as appropriate.

• Exhibit flexibility and openness to new approaches and feedback.

• Stay current on Head Start Performance Standards, NYS OCFS regulations, and changing community needs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• At least 1 year of experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed setting. Documented volunteer work exceeding 1,380 hours will be accepted.

• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and NYS OCFS childcare regulations.

• Experience with diverse populations, including low-income families, children with disabilities, and English-language learners.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., sit, stand, and bend frequently.

• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism.

• Must pass physical exam, background check, and fingerprinting screen.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.