Assistant Preschool Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Assistant Teacher creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Under the Teacher, the assistant teacher provides direction for the children in the classroom and assists to implement the program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AGE: Eighteen years or older

EDUCATION: high school diploma or equivalent

ECE/CD UNITS: Current Child Development Assistant Permit. Renew every 5 years with 105 hours of professional growth.

RELATED EXPERIENCE: Under the direction of the teacher, help to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities. Previous experience with diverse populations is preferred. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Strong character values (respect, responsibility, honesty, caring); strong communication skills; emotional maturity

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS: Current approved EMSA or American Red Cross First Aid; Adult, Infant, and Child CPR Certifications (8 hours). Completion of child abuse prevention training prior to the first day in program. Basic Water Safety certification for school-age programs. A course in Preventative Health Practices (PHP).

IMMUNIZATION & PHYSICAL: Current TB, influenza (limited exceptions), pertussis, and measles vaccination and physical exam.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Relationships, Communication, Developing Others, Inclusion, Quality Results, Project Management, Functional Expertise

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assists the teacher to nurture children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

2. Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned children, following ratios based on the specific program.

Licensed Toddler, Preschool Programs

Toddler

• 1 Teacher to 6 toddlers
• 1 Fully Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 12 toddlers

Preschool

• 1 Teacher to 12 children
• 1 Partially Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 15 children
• 1 Fully Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 18 children

Licensed School Age Programs

• 1:14 on site
• 1:12 field trips 1:6 water activities

3. No child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time.

4. Help children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.

5. Actively supports the YMCA is committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate.

6. As directed by the teacher, implement program curriculum and activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with the YMCA values, Desired Results findings, and established guidelines. Create and maintain a learning environment that is safe, clean, and healthy according to the Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS or SACERS).

7. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains site and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance with Title 22 regulations, funding terms and conditions, and YMCA expectations.

8. As directed by the teacher, makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child following the assessment tools provided in the curriculum. Communicates with the teacher regarding the child’s development.

9. Attends and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings and training.

10. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies. Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved.

11. Understands and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and YMCA policies and procedures at all times.

12. Maintains positive relationships with parents, other YMCA team members and community partners. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.

13. All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
• Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year.
• Job does include water-related activities.
• Ability to lift 30-35 lbs.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person