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Position Title: UPK Teaching Assistant

Performance Profile: Front Line

Department: Early Childhood

Work Location: Varies - Albany City School District

Reports to: UPK Director

Salary Range: $16/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 City School District of Albany (CSDA).

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 UPK 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 City School District of Albany (CSDA) 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 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.

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
• Preferred 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 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.