Early Childhood Center Aide

Responsibilities

Support the teaching team in implementing classroom activities and lessons;
Help foster a safe, sanitary, warm, and inclusive environment;
Assist with classroom and materials set up, organization, and cleaning;
Supervise and aid students during transitions, meals, and naptime, following classroom policies and health and safety protocols;
Work one-on-one with students who may require extra assistance;
Communicate observations to teachers to support family engagement and student learning;
Assist with school events;
Provide staff coverage as needed;
Participate in professional development and coaching sessions;
Obtain and maintain certification in CPR and first aid certifications;
Additional duties related to the running of the school as assigned.

Qualifications

18 years of age or older by the start date for the role, required;
High School Diploma or equivalent, required;
Experience working with young children in a school or daycare setting, highly preferred;
Exhibits high energy, warmth, enthusiasm and patience in working with young children;
Ability to quickly problem-solve in the moment;
Ability to work collaboratively within a team setting;
Ability to communicate effectively with others;
Eagerness to grow professionally, including openness to receiving and implementing feedback;
Flexible, demonstrating will and ability to shift tasks and support others as needed;
A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the belief that all students can succeed, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community;
A physical exam, fingerprinting, and a federal background check are required for this position.

Physical Demands of Position

This section describes the physical requirements that are necessary to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Frequent movement, including standing, walking, sitting, and transitioning between floor and standing positions.

Ability to lift, carry, push, pull or position items up to 50 pounds.

Ability to engage in activities at child level, including bending, kneeling, crouching, and sitting on the floor.

Ability to receive and respond to oral communication with students and adults in both quiet and active environments.

Ability to reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, computers, and/or controls.

Working Expectations

• This role requires on-site work 5 days a week
• Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm
• A physical exam, fingerprinting, and a background check are required for this position.

Locations and Timeline

• Location: 2081 2nd Ave, East Harlem, New York City
• Start Date: January, 2026
• Additionally, if you are interested in working at one of our other locations in the South Bronx, we may also be hiring for these locations in the coming months.

Benefits

DREAM offers the following benefits to our part-time employees:
• 403(b) retirement plan, with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment (12-month continuous period) in which you work a minimum of 1,000 hours;
• Disability benefits;
• Referral bonuses;
• Access to our Employee Discount Program, offering savings on travel, entertainment, retail, and more;
• High-performing part-time staff have the opportunity to apply for the DREAM Teaching Fellowship, through which they can earn a Bachelors or Masters degree and become full-time teachers at DREAM

Compensation

• DREAM offers competitive compensation. The hourly rate for this position is $18.00 per hour.