About the job
Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Gems is actively seeking a passionate and dedicated Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year!
The ideal candidate will embody a commitment to the mission of HCZ Gems: to equip our youngest scholars with the tools necessary for success in K-12 and beyond, laying a solid academic foundation and fostering a pathway toward college and career readiness. We are looking for someone who is deeply caring, respects the rich culture of Harlem, and is enthusiastic about making a meaningful impact in our community.
Essential Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- Demonstrated background in early childhood education or pedagogy.
- A valid New York State Teaching Assistant Certification (or in the process of obtaining this certification, which must be completed within 30 days of employment).
Who You Are
At Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), we are on a mission to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty and create new opportunities for our children, families, and communities. As part of the Pre-Kindergarten program within HCZ’s comprehensive cradle-to-career pathway, Harlem Gems is dedicated to delivering exceptional education and building a robust academic foundation—empowering young minds to inspire potential and drive transformative change. By joining our team, you will become a vital part of a movement aimed at creating brighter futures and extraordinary outcomes for those we serve.
Harlem Gems is an outstanding, year-round, full-day pre-kindergarten program serving 160 children across two locations. We prioritize strong family involvement, engaging parents and caregivers in classroom activities, and ensuring continuity between home and school.
Your Responsibilities
- Assist the Lead Teacher in delivering lessons and fostering student learning.
- Support students in achieving grade-level standards while upholding high academic and personal expectations.
- Oversee the classroom in the absence of the teacher and fill in for other classrooms as needed.
- Implement school policies regarding student behavior and discipline to maintain a conducive learning environment.
- Facilitate student arrival, dismissal, and transitions throughout the day.
- Participate in extracurricular activities and contribute to program planning.
- Handle behavioral and emergency situations in accordance with school policies.
- Monitor and report on students' academic, physical, and emotional well-being.
- Collect and submit data in a timely manner.
- Attend staff meetings and collaborate in supervisory conferences.
Work Schedule
- Monday to Friday, 7:40 AM - 4:00 PM and 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (rotating schedule).

