Position Title: Floating Teaching Assistant and After School Teaching Assistant

Department: Teaching Faculty 

Reporting to: Hudson Street Site Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Salary Range: $30,000 – $40,000

Full time, 10 months, 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Founded in 1976, The Washington Market School is a non-profit preschool serving children ages 2-5 that skillfully blends the time-tested philosophies and methodologies of Maria Montessori with Reggio Emilia. We celebrate and foster each child’s growing independence, natural curiosity, and social-emotional development and problem solving skills, meeting each child exactly where they are from the moment they arrive. Licensed by the New York City Department of Health and meeting the requirements of all regulatory agencies, The Washington Market School boasts two distinct and uniquely special sites located in Lower Manhattan, just blocks away from each other. 

Position Summary

The After School Teaching Assistant and Floating Assistant will serve as a key member of the teaching faculty, working collaboratively with teachers and the After School Director to support the safety, learning and development of our young learners. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Support a positive, safe and playful learning environment that aligns with the mission of the school;
• Serve as a building substitute teacher for planned and unplanned absences as needed;
• Assist classroom teachers with daily general classroom activities as assigned;
• Assist in the supervision of children while always maintaining a heightened  level of respect and awareness for the children;
• Prepare for and facilitate center groups, art activities, etc. in cooperation and collaboration with the classroom teachers;
• Assist students with lunch, toileting and dressing, etc.;
• Assist in maintaining a clean and organized classroom environment, ensuring that  equipment and materials are kept in excellent condition;
• Display respect and empathy for students by maintaining confidentiality, tact, reliability and sensitively with them and their families;
• Participate in scheduled staff meetings, training sessions, etc;
• Additional duties as assigned
• Maintain excellent communication with the school and families

Core Competencies 

• Demonstrated cultural competency and desire to continually learn and grow in the area of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging;
• Well-developed writing, editing, and proofreading skills;
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, creative thinking, an eagerness and ability to interact with parents, students, faculty and staff, administrators, trustees, alumni and other friends of the school with warmth and compassion; 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; 
• Positive, flexible attitude; 
• Bilingual or proficiency in a second language preferred;
• Excellent oral communication skills

Qualifications 

• High School diploma or GED; AA or BA preferred; 
• One year successful experience working with children ages 2-5 in a preschool or daycare setting; 
• Excellent oral communication skills; 
• Complete all required Department of Health paperwork including background check, health form before official start date and complete, required  trainings within three months of start date;
• Ability to lift as much as 35 pounds;
• Ability to navigate stairs without assistance;
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend and sit on the floor for long periods of time;
• Ability to work in-person;
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Benefits

• 401k, Dental, Health, Vision, PTO

The Washington Market School is an equal opportunity at-will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin. 

Apply through NYSAIS or by emailing your resume and cover letter to resumes@wms-nyc.org