Vassar College·Poughkeepsie, New York
Support a team of educators in implementing a high-quality early education program for children ages 2-5. Responsibilities include caring for children, implementing curriculum, and maintaining the classroom environment.
Department Wimpfheimer Nursery School Job Family Service - Temp/On Call Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact careers@vassar.edu. Job Description
Wimpfheimer Nursery School is hiring an Assistant Teacher on call. Full time hours are 8:00-4:00 or 9:00-5:00 pm but vary on the needs and demands of the nursery school. As an assistant teacher on call, you will support a team approach, working with other educators to develop and implement a high-quality early education and care program that reflects the goals of our laboratory nursery school for children ages 2-5.
Care for children ages 2-5, under the direction of a Lead Teacher and within a team approach. Follow OCFS guidelines and regulations for care routines. Receive feedback and grow professional knowledge and skills in child centered pedagogy, play, care, problem solving and pro-social negotiation skills for young children. Support and implement daily curriculum experience and care rituals. Communicate regularly with families. Organize, clean, and care for the classroom environment, prepare and arrange materials, clean up and set up daily. Participate in school events including parent conferences, parent night, family socials, professional development. Participate in mandated yearly professional development and training including infant/child CPR and First Aid. Support a play based curriculum which includes outdoor play in all seasons. Required
High school diploma and experience working with young children (ages 0-5) Desire to grow and increase knowledge in the field of child development. Cheerful, nurturing, positive team player with collaborative work ethic. Excellent communication skills Exemplary role model and warm personality Able to organize and care for the classroom environment, prepare and arrange materials, clean up and set up. Must be fingerprinted and cleared with a background check through the NY State Office of Children and Family Services. Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities CDA or Associate's Degree or working towards a degree in early childhood. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT This position requires the candidate to be able to care for children’s physical needs on a consistent basis. Candidates must interact with children on their level; frequent bending, squatting and playing on the floor is expected. Candidates must be able to lift 30 pounds. Candidates must remain alert and productive, able to see and hear children at all times, and capable of active ongoing supervision and safety of individual children and groups of children. The ideal candidate will be comfortable teaching outside in all seasons and all weather. This position requires the ability to perform emotional labor for children who are developing social and emotional skills. The Assistant Teacher must be capable of managing and supervising small groups of children (up to 7) alone at periods of the day such as when other teachers take lunch breaks. The Assistant teacher may, at times, act as the lead teacher and must have the skills to supervise and manage groups of children in the lead teacher’s absence. Position works with minors and requires a background check. Pay rate: $19.01 per hour Work At Vassar Benefits
Requires a high school diploma and experience working with young children, along with a background check and fingerprinting. A CDA or Associate's degree in early childhood is preferred.
Market context
Teaching assistant roles in New York are often tied to steady school and childcare staffing needs, especially where programs need support for classroom routines, supervision, and active play. These roles can be competitive because employers look for candidates who meet state or accreditation requirements and can handle both indoor and outdoor activity demands. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your education, experience, and physical readiness before applying.