OBJECTIVES: Reporting to the Manager, Programs – Education/Site Supervisor, the Staff, Programs – Assistant Teacher (Early Head Start) will assist in delivering high-quality Early Head Start services by supporting the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate classroom activities, collaborating with the lead teacher to meet the social, emotional, and education needs of children. This individual will also partner with families to encourage engagement and promote a positive, inclusive learning environment. The Early Head Start Assistant Teacher supports Northside’s mission by promoting a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support the supervision of children to ensure a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
2. Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities that meet the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of each child.
3. Observe, document, and communicate children’s behavior, progress, and developmental milestones.
4. Collaborate with the Group Teacher to develop and carry out weekly lesson plans aligned with Early Head Start standards.
5. Promote positive guidance strategies to support children’s social and emotional development.
6. Build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with families to encourage engagement and partnership.
7. Participate in meetings with families, colleagues, and the interdisciplinary team to support child outcomes and program goals.
8. Uphold professional and ethical standards, including maintaining confidentiality in accordance with agency policies and legal requirements.
9. Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and respect for the rights and dignity of children, families, and staff.
10. Engage in required trainings, professional development, and teamwork to support a positive workplace culture and Northside’s mission.

SPECIFIC SKILLS:

• Ability to support the supervision of children in a safe and nurturing environment.
• Ability to assist in planning and implementing programs that address children’s social, developmental, and health needs.
• Strong observation and documentation skills to record children’s behavior and development.
• Strong interpersonal skills to assist in building and maintaining positive relationships with families.
• Commitment to maintain professional and ethical standards.
• Ability to effectively communicate with community members and groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and families both individually and in group settings.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Excellent work ethic
• Commitment to working in a mission-driven organization
• Demonstrated personal ethics and values
• Cross-team collaboration and cooperation
• Team player who works well with a diverse group of people

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
• Experience working with children ages birth to five and their families
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD (preferred)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Salary commensurate with experience. Northside offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary Range $39,000 - $45,000.

About Northside

Northside Center for Child Development serves more than 5,500 children and families across New York City each year through high-quality, outcome-driven behavioral health, early childhood education, and enrichment services. With over $34 million in annual funding, Northside provides the comprehensive support children and families need to overcome adversity, build resilience, and pursue their dreams.

Founded in 1946 in Harlem, Northside has been a cornerstone of the community for eight decades, leading the way in integrating education and mental health to support children’s development. Several of Northside’s innovative programs were the first of their kind in Harlem, setting standards of care that continue to influence social service agencies throughout the United States today.

Northside’s founders, Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie Phipps Clark, were renowned, pioneering psychologists whose groundbreaking research was instrumental in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation unconstitutional. Their belief in the worth, dignity, and potential of every child continues to guide Northside’s mission and inspire its work today. Northside is driven by its vision and principle, “Each Child…First Chance.”

For more information on Northside Center for Child Development, please visit www.northsidecenter.org.