DREAM
Location
New York
Salary
$18 - $18 / HOUR
The Early Childhood Center Aide supports the teaching team in implementing classroom activities and maintaining a safe, inclusive environment. Responsibilities include supervising students during transitions, meals, and naptime, as well as providing one-on-one assistance to students.
Candidates must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience working with young children in a school or daycare setting is highly preferred.
Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.
Reporting to the Education Director, the Early Childhood Center Aide will be responsible for assisting the teaching team in support of student outcomes. This is an excellent opportunity to build your child development skills while working with a passionate and supportive team. \n
Support the teaching team in implementing classroom activities and lessons; Help foster a safe, sanitary, warm, and inclusive environment; Assist with classroom and materials set up, organization, and cleaning; Supervise and aid students during transitions, meals, and naptime, following classroom policies and health and safety protocols; Work one-on-one with students who may require extra assistance; Communicate observations to teachers to support family engagement and student learning; Assist with school events; Provide staff coverage as needed; Participate in professional development and coaching sessions; Obtain and maintain certification in CPR and first aid certifications; Additional duties related to the running of the school as assigned.
18 years of age or older by the start date for the role, required; High School Diploma or equivalent, required; Experience working with young children in a school or daycare setting, highly preferred; Exhibits high energy, warmth, enthusiasm and patience in working with young children; Ability to quickly problem-solve in the moment; Ability to work collaboratively within a team setting; Ability to communicate effectively with others; Eagerness to grow professionally, including openness to receiving and implementing feedback; Flexible, demonstrating will and ability to shift tasks and support others as needed; A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the belief that all students can succeed, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community; A physical exam, fingerprinting, and a federal background check are required for this position.
DREAM offers the following benefits to our part-time employees: 403(b) retirement plan, with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment (12-month continuous period) in which you work a minimum of 1,000 hours; Disability benefits; Referral bonuses; Access to our Employee Discount Program, offering savings on travel, entertainment, retail, and more; High-performing part-time staff have the opportunity to apply for the DREAM Teaching Fellowship, through which they can earn a Bachelors or Masters degree and become full-time teachers at DREAM
Compensation DREAM offers competitive compensation. The hourly rate for this position is $18.00 per hour.
\n Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.
From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.
Come dream with us.
All Kids Can. This Kid Can. DREAM is Family. Fun is a Serious Value. Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work. Fail. Persist. Exceed. DREAM Big.
Applying to DREAM
DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.
Market context
Part-time early childhood center aide roles in New York are often driven by steady need for dependable support in classrooms and daycare settings, especially in communities serving young children. These jobs can be competitive because employers typically look for candidates who are at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and bring prior experience with young children; benefits like retirement matching and referral bonuses can also stand out. If you are considering applying, highlight any school or daycare experience and review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time compared with reading the full posting.
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