Teacher's Assistant

About the Role:

Join a mission-driven team at The New York Institute for Special Education (NYISE). We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Certified Teacher Assistant for our Readiness Program(Pre-K), a specialized full-day, center-based preschool serving children ages 3 to 5.In this role, you will work within small, collaborative classroom teams—consisting of one lead teacher and two assistants—to provide tailored educational and developmental support for students with visual impairments, developmental delays, and sensory needs.

Compensation & Schedule

• Contract: 10-month school year contract (September – June).
• Starting Salary: $31,000(Level 1/2 Certification)/$33,000(Level 3 Certification) for the 10-month term.
• Summer Opportunity: Staff are expected to work our 6-week summer program (July – August) due to consistent student enrollment.
• Total Pay: Summer work is paid as an additional percentage of your base salary, bringing total first-year compensation to approximately $36,000/$38,000.

Key Responsibilities

• Instructional Support: Assist the classroom teacher in planning and implementing daily lessons and tailored educational activities.
• Classroom Management: Prepare materials and aids; maintain a neat, organized environment; and supervise students in the teacher's absence.
• Student Care: Support students with personal hygiene, including hand washing, toilet training, and diapering as needed.
• Progress Tracking: Observe and record student behavior and developmental milestones; assist with record-keeping, including attendance and student portfolios.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with therapists (Speech, OT, PT) and behavior specialists to integrate therapeutic strategies into the classroom.
• Professionalism: Maintain strict confidentiality and build positive, mature relationships with families and fellow staff members.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain the high activity level required for working with young children (ages 3–5).
• Capacity to lift children up to 30 pounds (e.g., onto a changing table).
• Ability to bend, sit at the child’s level, and assist on playground equipment.
• Sufficient vision and hearing to ensure student safety at all times.

Education & Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification: Valid New York State Teaching Assistant Certification (Level I, II, or III) or successful completion of the NYS Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS).
• Professional Development: Commitment to maintaining NYS professional standards, including the acquisition of 15 staff development hours every two years.
• Attributes: Demonstrated professional maturity, a commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality, and the ability to communicate effectively with administration and families.

Why Join NYISE?

Since 1831, The New York Institute for Special Education in providing high-quality education to children with disabilities. If you are ready to make a lasting impact on the academic and personal growth of children in the Bronx, we invite you to join our dedicated community.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $31,000.00 - $36,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Childcare: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Paraprofessional Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Bronx, NY 10469 (Required)

Work Location: In person