Daycare Assistant

DISCOVER YOUR ENTHUSIASM!

TheAnn Arbor YMCA Child Development Centeris hiring afull-time Co-Teacher for our Early Preschool(Maple Room). We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success. That's why our child care programs are staffed with Daycare Assistantswho understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in trying new things and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need to help each other.

Daycare assistants are responsible for guiding children in our program designed for Early Preschool (2.5-3.5 years) and assisting the Lead Teacher in the daily upkeep of the Child Care classroom and its contents. They must ensure a warm, nurturing, safe and loving environment, where self-concepts are enhanced, independence encouraged, and individuality respected. They are also responsible for providing a program that fosters children’s social, physical, spiritual and mental growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

Program and Classroom Management

• Daycare assistants help establish and maintain daily classroom routines, as assigned by the Lead Teacher. Daily classroom routines include food preparation and clean up, following classroom schedules, naptime assistance, and cleaning toys.
• Assists the Lead Teacher in planning and organizing activities and lessons, which would include centers, small and large group activities, and large motor movement activities
• Communicate, maintain and model independent behaviors and offers guidance to promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development in young children
• Encourage and model healthy eating habits and physical play for children
• Interacts with children, using the Love and Logic behavior management model by Jim Fay.
• Daycare assistants communicate with parents on a consistent basis, through face-to-face interactions, phone calls and email correspondence.
• Model positive adult-to-child and adult-to-adult interactions and foster an atmosphere of respect for children and adults.
• Possess working knowledge of child abuse and neglect laws and proper reporting procedures.
• Provide opportunities for children to develop social skills such as cooperating, helping, negotiating and verbally communicating to solve interpersonal conflicts.
• Encourage social, academic and personal growth in youth.
• Daycare assistants serve as go-to for when Lead Teachers are out of the classroom.
• Attend child development trainings and educational opportunities, which includes seminars and conferences.

Full job description available upon request.

OUR CULTURE

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. We are an association made up of people from every walk of life, working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, income, faith, sexual orientation or cultural background has the opportunity to live life to its fullest.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Daycare assistants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development or related field strongly preferred.
• A minimum of two years’ experience working as an Assistant Teacher in the Child Care program
• A minimum of three years’ experience working with children and families
• CPR and First Aid Certification strongly preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility and an ability to work in a team setting are required.
• Must have physical examination, including satisfactory TB test, six months prior to beginning work or 30 days after.
• A patient, high energy and goal-oriented attitude is essential.
• Ability to be responsive to the needs, wants and interests of both the parents and youth enrolled in the Child Care programs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.84 - $17.82 per hour

Expected hours: 38 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

• Children

Schedule:

• 5x8
• Monday to Friday
• No nights

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Ann Arbor, MI 48103: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person