Assistant Teacher - Early Childhood

Summary
The Assistant Teacher supports the Teachers and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. S/he must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents, the Assistant Teacher observes and documents children's interest and progress, and relays that information back to parents and staff. Assistant teachers are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children's interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director.
Duties

• Ensure all health and safety guidelines are strictly adhered to.
• Assist in supervising the group of children to which she/he is assigned (during classroom experience, during outdoor playground activities and while off the Center grounds).
• Become involved with the children in group play and outside activities.
• Assist with the nap period duties including, but not limited to; setting out and replacing cots/mats/cribs; settling the children, i.e., rubbing backs, reading stories.
• Have an ability to identify child abuse and have a clear understanding of reporting requirements and responsibilities.
• Be responsible for going into the pool to assist swim instructors and maintain staff: child ratio during swim lessons/activities.
• Utilize any specific abilities or talents that can enrich the children’s day care experience.
• Assist with food service (snack, lunch, special treats) and clean up the eating area.
• Support the Y’s HEPA standards by role modeling through participation in activities, snacks, meals as well as avoiding consumption of foods beverages during program hours that are inconsistent with HEPA standards.
• Be responsible for keeping equipment and materials clean, accessible and in good condition.
• Assist the teacher in keeping the classroom organized and neat.
• Administer first aid and supervise children’s personal hygiene.
• Assist in administration of medication under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Assume the responsibilities of the classroom teacher during her absence, with the direction and support of the director.
• Assist in the preparation of materials for daily activities.
• Be responsible for daily paperwork (i.e. accident reports, unusual incident reports) needed to maintain state code.
• Assist in all bathroom procedures, diapering, potty training, hand washing, etc.
• Attend all staff meetings when necessary and contribute to the meetings.
• Be required to maintain a current CPR First Aid Certification as well as attend workshops presented during “Center Shut Down”.
• Encouraged to attend other forms of professional training during the year.
• Be responsible for understanding and emulating the four core values.
• Be responsible for accurately recording time worked using the time management system provided on a daily basis.

Requirements

• High school diploma or its equivalent.
• Previous child care experience or related experience.
• Some credits or classes in education or Early Childhood education a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
Normal amounts of walking, standing, sitting, running, jumping, lifting, pushing, pulling, speaking, reading, and writing.Must be able to hear, see and respond quickly to children’s needs.
Benefits

• YMCA membership
• Flexible scheduling
• Fun, team-oriented workplace
• Professional development provided free to employee
• Encouragement of personal growth