Description

DISCOVER YOUR ENTHUSIASM! 

The Ypsilanti YMCA Child Development Center is hiring full-time Early Childhood Toddler Co-Teacher in our Spartans 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 people who 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. 

GENERAL FUNCTION:

Responsible for: guiding children through an age-appropriate curriculum that develops self-help skills and instills the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility; maintaining a thorough understanding and knowledge of the child care programs that the Ann Arbor YMCA provides and assisting the Lead Teacher in the daily upkeep of the Child Care classroom and its contents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

Program and Classroom Management

1. Develop and implement program activities that provide youth with experiences in the developmental areas of physical, social, emotional, and intellectual.
2. Plan all daily activities and weekly themes in a developmentally appropriate manner, making use of the resources available to you, including but not limited to: Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, CATCH, HEPA, etc.
3. Ensure the program is creative and stimulating and developmentally and age-appropriate. Incorporate Character Development and 40 Developmental Assets into the daily program.
4. Provide and ensure continuous supervision at all times, including during play and game activities with children, as to maintain order and discipline.
5. Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for all people’s background by incorporating cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the childcare program and lesson plans.
6. Keep the safety of children as the priority; know how to recognize suspected child abuse and neglect and implementing reporting procedures, as required by the State of Michigan and the Ann Arbor YMCA.
7. Prepare the classroom environment to enhance each participants’ learning through active exploration and interaction with adults, peers, and materials in learning centers such as dramatic play, blocks, science, math, games/puzzles, books, music, etc. as outlined by the curriculum and NAEYC.
8. Effectively communicate in a pleasant and positive manner with children, families, YMCA members and YMCA staff members.
9. Use abilities such as: attention to detail, multitasking, and strong oral, auditory and written communication skills to interact with adults and children daily.
10. Model positive adult-to-child and adult-to-adult interactions and foster an atmosphere of respect for children and adults.

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.

Full job description available upon request.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalent is required. 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

Previous experience in a NAEYC Accredited program preferred

Must be capable of using basic Microsoft Office software.

Must be able to learn and use YMCA specific software within 14 days of hire.

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.

Multi-lingual ability is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.

Must be able to assist an average size child up to 50 pounds.

Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.

Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.

Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.

Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency

Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time.