ELMCREST CHILDRENS CENTER INC·City of Syracuse, New York
The Teaching Assistant supports a multidisciplinary team by implementing curriculum activities, providing educational interventions, and assisting with daily classroom functions. They are responsible for monitoring student development, maintaining records, and ensuring consistency in programming according to individualized education programs.
Support a welcoming, clean and orderly classroom environment that is culturally responsive and fosters high expectations for children. Express a supportive and caring demeanor to relate sensitively to children, families, classroom staff, and multidisciplinary providers. Work with the Special Education Teacher and other team members to develop lesson plans and implement learning activities in the daily program. Assist in all daily functions of the classroom, including setting up of activities, meals, toileting, and cleaning. Review IEPs for all children in the classroom, to understand the developmental needs of the children and to assist children in progressing toward IEP goals. Provide educational support to children on a one-to-one basis, in small groups, and in large groups as appropriate. Actively engage with children through conversation and play at all times of the day, in a way that is developmentally appropriate and on their level (e.g., on the floor). Implement positive classroom management strategies for effective functioning of the classroom and to promote positive student-teacher interactions. Assist in the design and modification of the classroom environment to meet the needs of the group and individual children. Assist the Special Education Teacher with monitoring children’s development and learning with ongoing assessment strategies and data collection strategies. Participate in the development of behavioral/therapeutic interventions, and maintain consistency with implementation of interventions. Ensure implementation of lesson plans and consistency in programming in the absence of the Special Education Teacher, including taking on lead teacher responsibilities when appropriate. Attend weekly classroom/team meetings and other program meetings as directed by the Special Education Teacher and/or Program Administrator. Maintain professional, positive, and productive relationships with children, families, agency staff, visitors, outside agencies, and the general public. Maintain up-to-date child and classroom records, including health monitoring and attendance. Cooperate with other staff members to maintain standards of professionalism throughout the center. Attend workshops, conferences, and in-service training programs as required. Other Duties as Assigned: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Department & Program Specific Responsibilities: Follow all State Education regulations and OCFS Daycare licensing regulations, as well as Elmcrest program policies and procedures. For teaching assistants who also work during daycare hours at the Early Education Center: Participate in the planning of weekly lesson plans to implement developmentally appropriate activities during daycare hours. Communicate effectively with parents regarding their children. Complete all paperwork requirements for OCFS Daycare licensing regulations and program procedures. QualificationsElmcrest’s Core Values & Competencies: Honesty: Act with integrity and behave in a manner consistent with our policies, Code of Conduct and any regulatory and ethical guidelines. Utilize practices and techniques professionals train to interact with children, families and co-workers appropriately. Willingness to Learn: Open to new experiences and learning new skills and information that can improve professional development, progressive work environments and support the mission of Elmcrest. Dedication to Purpose: Display the necessary passion and empathetic abilities to serve the Elmcrest mission. Committed to improve the lives of children and families. Social Concern: Value human dignity and have respect for others. Actively seek out diverse approaches and points of view. Self-Examination: Systemically observe, analyze and utilize self-reflection to improve actions or results. Listen to constructive feedback and concerns and maintain positive relationships in the workplace.
Elmcrest Children’s Center will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to Elmcrest Children’s Center. Contact Human Resources with any questions or requests for accommodation.
At
Will
Employment: Your employment with Elmcrest Children’s Center is at will. This means your employment is for an indefinite period of time and it is subject to termination by you or Elmcrest Children’s Center, with or without cause, with or without notice, and at any time. Nothing in this job description or in any other policy of Elmcrest Children’s Center shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way, the at-will employment status of Elmcrest Children’s Center employees.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, with an associate or bachelor degree in a related field preferred. The role requires the physical ability to lift 50 pounds and perform various movements like sitting, crouching, and standing for extended periods.
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.