Part Time Early Childhood Center Aide

About the role

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs.

Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom.

We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools-growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Reporting to the Site Director, the Part-TimeEarly Childhood Center Aide will be responsible for assisting the teaching team in support of student outcomes. This is an excellent opportunity to build your child development skills while working with a passionate and supportive team.

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

• 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.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters-it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom.

DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream-along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to Dream

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!