Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester INC·Rochester, New York
Support lead teachers in providing high-quality care and education for children from infancy through school age. Maintain a safe, nurturing, and organized learning environment while implementing developmentally appropriate activities.
The JCC of Greater Rochester is a mission‑driven community organization rooted in Jewish values and open to individuals and families of all backgrounds. We serve as a welcoming hub for connection, learning, wellness, and belonging—advancing Jewish life while strengthening the broader community through inclusive programs and services.
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The JCC Wolk Children’s Center is a premier early‑childhood community dedicated to nurturing the whole child. We create a warm, engaging environment where children learn through play, social interaction, and hands‑on exploration—because we understand that young learners thrive as constructivists.
We follow the Creative Curriculum, a research‑based, field‑tested approach that supports developmentally appropriate learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our program cultivates collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of community.
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Why work with us?
Teacher Assistants support Lead Teachers in providing high-quality care and education for children from infancy through school age. This role contributes to the daily operations of the classroom, promotes child development across all domains, and helps maintain a nurturing, safe, and organized learning environment.
Essential functions
Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth in young children.
Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate activities that support the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of young children.
Support daily care routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, and rest time.
Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment in alignment with program standards.
Observe and document developmental milestones as directed by the Lead Teacher.
Provide respectful, responsive, and nurturing care to infants, toddlers and school age.
Actively participate in classroom supervision, transitions, and engagement on the playground and in shared activity spaces.
Collaborate with the Lead Teacher, co‑teachers, and administrative staff to ensure clear communication, consistency, and effective teamwork.
Interact with families in a professional, supportive manner that encourages positive family engagement.
Attend all required training courses, staff meetings, and professional development sessions.
Comply with all OCFS licensing regulations and promptly report concerns or suspected violations to the appropriate staff
Other duties
Ability to float between infancy to school age classrooms based on daily staffing and program needs.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Education & experience
High School Diplomas or equivalent required.
One year of experience working with children less than 13 years of age required.
Associate's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field and/or Child Development Associate credential highly preferred.
Current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications preferred.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, reliability, and a strong commitment to early childhood education.
Strong communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving skills.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The JCC of Greater Rochester is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive culture in which staff, members, and community partners can thrive.
Requires a high school diploma and one year of experience working with children under 13. An associate's degree in Early Childhood or a CDA credential and CPR/First Aid certifications are highly preferred.
Market context
Teacher assistant openings in New York are often tied to ongoing classroom support needs, especially in schools serving younger students or larger caseloads. This role is competitive because employers usually look for a high school diploma, prior experience with children, and a willingness to complete a CDA within the first year if needed. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, and be ready to show child-focused experience and availability in your application.