Pay: $16.50 per hour Job description: Universal Pre-Kindergarten Certified Teacher Assistant- Utica CSD JOB DESCRIPTION: Under the ultimate direction of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Supervisor, the UPK Certified Teacher Assistant is responsible to assist the UPK Teacher in the planning and implementation of a program for social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of children in the UPK classroom. He/she/they is responsible for assisting in the daily provision of activities and establishing a healthy routine for a group of children in the Utica City School District’s UPK program. He/she/they assists in providing age appropriate curriculum, daily activities and a positive framework for a safe and enriching classroom environment. SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: • Assists the UPK Teacher with preparation, implementation and evaluation of the classroom activities and curriculum as a whole as well as specific activities. • Cares for children’s physical needs, which may involve lifting and carrying very young children if necessary. • Assists in maintaining an environment that is safe, healthy, orderly and appealing. • Shares with the UPK Teacher observations and insights relating to specific children in the group. • Alerts the UPK Teacher to children with special needs, to problems, incidents and emergencies to ensure appropriate intervention is taken. • Develops and maintains a cooperative working relationship with UPK students’ parents and guardians. • Assists in planning and implementing educational and recreational activities that meet varying student needs. • Provides classroom instruction in the absence of the Teacher • Reports to the UPK Teacher the need for supplies, materials, equipment and repairs. • Participates effectively in supervisory conferences and staff meetings • Maintains self in professional manner at all times and adheres to the Utica City School District and The Neighborhood Center policies, procedures, and mission statements. • Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start working. • Assists with other related responsibilities as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Required: New York State Teaching Assistant Certificate; Level One (1) or higher. Job Type: Part time with benefits for the remainder of the 2026-2027 school year Pay: $16.50 per hour Expected hours: 30 hour work week with benefit for the remainder of the 2026-2027 school year. Benefits: • Dental insurance • Employee assistance program • Employee discount • Health insurance • Life insurance • Paid time off • Parental leave • Professional development assistance • Vision insurance Schedule: • Monday to Friday Experience: • Required: New York State Teaching Assistant Certificate; Level One (1) or higher. Work Location: In person Job Type: Part-time Schedule: • Monday to Friday Work Location: In person