First Learning·Grand Island, New York
The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in maintaining a safe, clean, and engaging classroom environment while providing attentive supervision to children. They are responsible for facilitating daily activities, building positive relationships with families, and ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Support the Classroom. Build Connections. Help Shape Early Learning. First Learning is one of North America’s Top 50 for-profit childcare organizations, and we are continuing to grow across New York. Founded in 1991 with the opening of Care-a-Lot’s first childcare center in Greece, NY, our organization has built a long-standing reputation for exceptional early childhood education. In recent years, we have expanded through the addition of Generations Child Care, Storybook Academy, Island Kids, and Windsor Academy—bringing together multiple respected programs under one unified organization: First Learning. Today, we operate a growing network of early learning centers dedicated to providing high-quality education, strong leadership, and outstanding family experiences. We are seeking an Assistant Teacher who is enthusiastic, dependable, and passionate about supporting young children’s growth and development in a collaborative classroom environment. --- The Role The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with children, thrives in a team setting, and is eager to grow within the field of early childhood education. You will be responsible for: · Supporting classroom routines and daily activities · Assisting with child supervision and care · Building positive relationships with children and families · Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized classroom · Supporting compliance with New York State regulations and company policies This position reports to the Center Director and works closely with the Lead Teacher and classroom team. --- Key Responsibilities Classroom Support · Assist in implementing daily activities and routines under the direction of the Lead Teacher · Provide attentive supervision and care for all children in the classroom · Help maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment · Step into different classrooms as needed to support staffing and ratio requirements Child Engagement · Build positive, supportive relationships with children · Encourage social, emotional, and developmental growth through play and interaction · Promote a positive and fun classroom atmosphere Family Communication · Communicate daily with families regarding children’s activities and experiences · Support a welcoming and professional environment for families · Maintain confidentiality in all family and child-related matters Team Collaboration · Work collaboratively with Lead Teachers and other staff members · Maintain open and respectful communication with team members and leadership · Contribute to a positive, team-oriented workplace culture Compliance & Documentation · Assist with maintaining classroom records and required documentation · Follow OCFS regulations, health and safety guidelines, and company policies · Support proper supervision standards at all times ---
Candidates must meet New York State requirements for Assistant Teachers in a licensed childcare setting. Typical qualifications include: · High school diploma or equivalent · Must be at least 18 years of age Preferred experience: · At least 1 year of experience working with children · Experience in a childcare or early education setting · Strong communication and teamwork skills · Positive, flexible, and reliable work ethic --- Who Succeeds in This Role Our strongest Assistant Teachers: · Bring energy, positivity, and patience to the classroom · Enjoy working as part of a team · Are flexible and willing to support where needed · Build strong relationships with children and families · Are eager to learn and grow within early childhood education --- Career Growth Opportunities At First Learning, we believe in developing future educators and leaders. Assistant Teachers have opportunities to: · Advance into Lead Teacher roles · Receive training and support toward CDA or additional education · Take on increased classroom responsibilities over time · Grow within a multi-site, expanding organization Job Type: Full-time
401(k) Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Vision insurance
Candidates must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous experience working with children in a childcare or early education setting is preferred.
Market context
Assistant teacher openings in New York are often tied to steady demand in early childhood and classroom support settings. Candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, plus a CDA, may stand out, especially when they can show strong communication and independent work habits. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to the exact credential mix and support experience listed.