Description

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for assisting the Lead Preschool Teacher in the planning and implementation of an ongoing program of activities that promote the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of children between the ages 6 weeks - 5 years. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on the YMCA core values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain staff/child ratio as set up by the Director of Child Development and the State of Ohio Licensing Regulations.
• Adhere to all health and safety requirements as described in the YMCA Child Care Risk Management guidelines and the State of Ohio Child Care regulations.
• Assist the Lead Preschool Teacher with the set up and maintenance of a well-organized, safe and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects the children’s learning and growth. In the absence of a Lead Preschool Teacher, follow established lesson plans.
• Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline.
• Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information regarding program news, changes, illnesses and other necessary information.
• Maintain accurate, complete and timely program records including but not limited to Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) documentation, attendance sheets, sign-in/sign-out records and accident/incident reports.
• Assist with the implementation of daily lesson/activity plans, including daily set-up and clean up.
• Assist with the supervision of the children, classroom, and activities.
• Report all staffing and classroom concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Manage confidential information.
• Attend all training workshops as posted by the Director of Child Development.
• Assist with food preparation when needed.
• Maintain updated CPR/First Aid, Recognition and Prevention of Child Abuse and Management of Communicable Diseases training.

Child Protection Responsibilities:

• Adheres to policies related to boundaries with youth.
• Participates in required abuse risk management training.
• Adheres to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.
• Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follows mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Qualifications

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate or Bachelor degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or related field preferred. 
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications, Child Abuse prevention and Management of Communicable Disease training.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting.
• Strong communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal).
• Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with individuals from different backgrounds.

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.